A Lesson on Bordeaux!

The wine line up!

     Recently my husband and I had the opportunity to participate in a class on Bordeaux wines at The Wine Merchant in Clayton, MO. The class was taught by owner and sommelier, Jason Main, and was both entertaining and educational. Jason is a wonderful teacher, taking the time to answer all of our questions. In addition to enjoying the six wines, we also tasted some of the wonderful edible treats available at The Wine Merchant. 

Delicious white Bordeaux

Our Line-up for the Evening:

• Wine #1 - 2012 Maison Sichel Bordeaux Blanc "Sirius" -   This is a delicious little white wine for $12.99. It had lovely mineral notes on the nose and was especially delicious with the cheeses. I brought home two bottles that night and have been back for more already! Perfect for the upcoming summer season!

• Wine #2 - 2008 Chevalier de Russan-Gassies Margaux, Bordeaux, France - This wine had the look of an old world wine, it was earthy with nice acidity and paired very well with all the goodies. Priced at $42.99.

• Wine #3 - 2009 Cháteau Taillefer Pomerol, Bordeaux, France - This red was fuller bodied than the Chevalier with dark red fruit up front on the nose but also a nice earthiness. We loved the finish on this wine. Priced at $27.99.

• Wine #4 - 2009 Cháteau Fieuzal Pessac-Leognan(Graves), Bordeaux, France - Color on this wine was very dark brown-red. It had deep rich notes on the nose. Again paired well with the nibbles. Priced at $62.99.

• Wine #5 - 2009 Cháteau Cantermerle Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France - Color was deep, dark almost purple. Bright fruit on the nose and wonderful with the cheddar cheese and sausage. We brought home a bottle at $59.99.

• Wine #6 - 2005 Cháteau d'Armailhac Pauillac, Bordeaux, France - This was the big treat of the evening. A wonderful full body on this wine but the tannins were well balanced. We both loved it and would consider getting a bottle for a special event. Priced at $110.00.

Cheese, Charcutérie and Páté of the Evening
Winnimere, raw cow's milk, VermontBrie Fermier, cow's milk, FranceCabot Clothbound Cheddar, raw cow's milk, VermontCantelet, raw cow's milk, FranceWenneman's sausage, IllinoisFabrique Delicés Páté de Chanpagne & truffle mousse, California

     I definitely would recommend trying one of the many classes offered by The Wine Merchant(www.winemerchantltd.com). I know I will be signing up for a future offering. After finishing this class I wouldn't say that I am an expert in French Bordeaux wines, but my appreciation and understanding for these wines has grown. Maybe my next Bordeaux experience should be in France!

Cheers,
Beth