Château La Grange Clinet Merlot Côtes de Bordeaux 2004 Review

Château La Grange Clinet Merlot Côtes de Bordeaux 2004 Tasting Notes

This red Bordeaux is from the wrong side of the tracks, or rather the wrong bank of the river. It's not Pauillac, not Graves, not St. Emilion, not Pomerol—it's the Premières Côtes de Bordeaux, a 30-mile strip of vineyards on the steep bank and hills north of the Garonne River. This region is probably known more for Sauternes-like golden-white wines but many gravitated toward reds a la the other Bordelaise. Consequently you may be able to find good value Bordeauxs and this Château La Grange Clinet fits the bill. It's a blend of Merlot (60 percent), Cabernet Sauvignon (28 percent), and Cabernet Franc (12 percent). The restrained red shows bright red cherries and currants with notes of tobacco, herbs, and oak. Good structure holds the smooth wine together that has a quick and to-the-point finish.