Bordeaux visit 2009-Episode 2

Ch. Les Barraillots 2007, Margaux, is located in the heart of Margaux, on a beautiful soil amongst some Classified Growths such as Rauzan Gassies and Marquis de Terme. A parcel even abuts Château Margaux. Tasted slightly tannic months earlier, this little gem as I tasted a couple of days ago in Bordeaux shed it tannins to become a cushiony quality which was very much very pleasant to drink. It became a medium to full-bodied wine with supple and beautiful fruit, and a good ability to age for another 2 to 3 years, with very few visible weaknesses of the vintage. The name Barraillots comes from barrails that means the small fences surrounding the parcels.

A well-balanced, silky, complex(and great elegance)with oodles of fruit, Chateau Du Glana 2006 St. Julien give ripe tannins and a good ageing potential of Bordeaux classicism. Being a 4-Decanter wine in the recent article convinces at least its acceptance by the tasting panel who  reflects the tastes some consumer in general in the UK. For relevance of the lcoal market, I believe this wine has got to be the best-buy from the list as this wine was priced by my principal only 20% above its second wine from an inferior vintage offered from a competitive broker. Terrioir is the key to the understanding of this wine. First, it is on the road of the great wines along the Gironde estuary between the districts of Beychevelle and Saint Julien and facing the Château Ducru Beaucaillou. Secondly, the vineyard is a grouping of several parcels coming from the great Château Saint Pierre. Third, the area to 43 ha acquiring some parcels of the famousChâteau Lagrange. 50% old oak and 50% new oak. Classy packaging in wood case of 12

Ch. Tour Du Roc Milon 2004, Pauillac gives simple and pleasing blackcurrant fruit and structured finish(tannins and acidity). Wiht charming and ample fruit, supplemented with spicy and leathery touch. There are 3 major advantage: this is a true Paulllac as it lies the district of Pauillac between Pontet Canet and Mouton Rothschild and has already existed in the 18th century but the first mention of its name was in the Feret 1929. It then was classified Cru Bourgeois in 1932. Second, as this estate is run by Ch. Fonbadet has been running it since the 1940s, Ch. Tour Du Roc Milon 2004 to some extent bears some similar character in terms of style and complexities. Therefore, it is of great value. Third, this is an intense wines(still with lots of fruit) because of the 50 year old vines. 

Ch. Rose Ste Croix 2005, Ac Listrac, is wine typical of its appellation, round and supple thanks to the merlot with beautiful blackcurrant and red fruit aromas, a good backbone and ripe well-integrated tannins. IT is owned by Mr Porcheron, owner of another good wine Marojallia. Best valued in class.

(Tasted 23 June 2009, Bordeaux ).