Les Tours de Beaumont 2005 Haut-Médoc

Preface: I have so many of these things to put up. This is a little thing called "ketchup".

Region: Haut-Médoc, Médoc, Bordeaux, France

Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc

ABV: 13%
Price: $14

Light bodied, with a nose of toasty wood and sweet berries. Tannins are a little too strong, overwhelming what might otherwise be a fine, if a little light, red blend. Blackberry is drowned leaving only the spicy tannins and bits of oak.

Château du Glana 2003

Region: St-Julien, Bordeaux
Grapes: 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc
Price: $20
Alcohol Level: 13%

Here is a real Bordeaux. 2003 was a really good year in Bordeaux and brought about some very nice wines. The Château du Glana is a bright red wine with the aromas of berries and spice. With a sip, you are greeted with a nice mouthful of spices with a background of dark fruits (I sensed blackberry and plum). Light in body with a very blackberry finish.

My opinion, if you want a French wine for your fancy meal, you would not be disappointed by this wine. It would go great with lamb, sausages from the grill and strong cheeses, but does not have the body for a heavy meat like steak.