Wine on the Radio - May 7, 2004

Bordeaux's Right Bank               Recommendations

Bordeaux is probably France's most famous wine region but it's a big area made up of many districts and villages. Merlot lovers take note 'cause we're going to the Right Bank.

The Right or East bank of the Dordogne River is where merlot based wines dominate. St. Emilion is the capitol and most visible but Pomerol is the jewel.

Every year Pomerol wines are some of the priciest in the world due to its small area, extraordinary quality and limited productions. And adjacent to the well known areas you'll find some bargains and cheery, full flavored wines to enjoy.

Look for Lalande de Pomerol, St. Georges-St. Emilion or Fronsac on the label.

Unlike New World Merlots Right Bank wines are a bit leaner because the climate is cooler . . . Not as 'big' bold and fruity as you may be used to but line some up with food and yum!

For many people the right bank is the right stuff of Bordeaux.

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The Wine Experience Travel to St. Emilion

Our Picks and Recommendations . . . All Prices Approximate

Ch. Beausejour 2001 Montagne St. Emilion   $ 25.00
Bordeaux , France

Winemaker's Notes
The vineyard of Château Beauséjour is planted with the highest quality grape varieties. It produces wines with the distinctive Saint-Emilion character. They are full-bodied with a beautiful colour , superb bouquet and great elegance. The vinification is done according to the traditional Bordeaux method : using cement vats with temperature control, very long vatting period, maceration, extraction of the desired tannin level, and maturing in new casks

Ch. Belle-Isle Mondotte 1998 St. Emilion   $ 33.00
Bordeaux, France

Ch. Faizeau 2001 Montagne St. Emilion Vielles Vignes   $23
Bordeaux, France
Winemaker's Notes
Made from old vines, this wine is a typical, smooth St. Emilion Bordeaux, showing great structure and good fruit

Ch. Beauregard 2000 Pomerol $65
Bordeaux , France

Winemaker's Notes
"This up and coming Pomerol estate has fashioned a potentially outstanding 2000 revealing the vintage's wonderful sweetness as well as a dense purple color, an opulent texture, a layered, concentrated mid-palate, and moderate tannin in the impressively deep, structured finish. It will require a few years of bottle age. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2016."
-Wine Advocate