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Wine Details
Price:
$35.00 per bottle
Description:
In contrast to our other Right Bank wine, Bourriquot is more finely-textured, somewhat more elegant than the explosive flavors of the Merlot Reserve. The 2000 horse has the same fine chocolate of the Merlot, but this is Franc in spades (or horseshoes): the fine cedar of a cigar box, dusty roses, dried cherries. And the palate persistence is outstanding here, lingering with great inner-mouth perfume. This Bourriquot will age very well, given its engaging texture and depth of flavor, though it offers pleasure already.
Bourriquot is unique in California, a wine based on Cabernet Franc and Merlot that attempts to celebrate those grapes’ native character, not cover it over. And we continue to be proud that its price is far less than other wines in its class.
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Varietal Definition
Cabernet Franc:
Cabernet Franc is an accessible, spicy, herbal, dark blue grape variety that is often compared to Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet Franc tends to be softer and has less tannin than Cabernet Sauvignon, although the two can be difficult to distinguish. Sometimes the French refer to Cabernets, which could mean either of the two grapes. Its typical aromas include an herbaceous and pronounced peppery nose, even in ripe fruit, and something eerily like tobacco. The Cabernet Franc ripens at an earlier stage, which gives it reason to exist in the Bordeaux area. In the Loire, where we find it a lot, it gives a clear red fresh and fruity wine.
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Merlot:
Merlot is known as a Noble Bordeaux varietal. Although it came to France in the first century, it was not named until the 1880s. Merlot was originally used only for blending, as it is soft and compliant, very useful in softening other Bordeaux wines like Cabernets. Recently in California and Chile it became popular as a 100% varietal wine. Merlot tends to be easier to grow in a variety of soil conditions and is harvested earlier in the year than Cabernet. Although most Merlots are made to be drunk earlier, there are many with complexities of a Cabernet. Flavors of plum, black cherry, violet, chocolate and orange pair well with rich, red pasta dishes, hearty chicken dishes, and any beef combination that you fancy. The perfect match of course is chocolate. Not only does the chocolate compliment the wine and vice-versa, but the essence of both flavors linger eternally.
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