The 2005 vintage of Red Bordeaux has been heralded, raved about and touted by all the critics, and rightfully so. It is a big vintage with more structure than the forward 2003 or the also touted 2000. As a result prices from the prestigious chateaux have jumped and availability is scarce. But have no fear. There are many less known domaines out there and it was a great year for them too. Stop in this Saturday and catch a flight of Bordeaux from 2005 for $20 and under. We’ve carried these wines in past vintages and liked them for their good quality and value. We expect the 2005’s will show well. You may just find something to sip while you wait for your Lynch-Bages to mature. Seth Furman of Grape Expectations will be on hand to tell you more about the wines.

Chateau Peyraud, 1er Cote de Blaye   $12

90% Merlot/10% Cabernet Sauvignon fermented and aged in tank.
The Peyraud has softer tannins and a good showing of plump black current fruit. with peppery and earthy notes.

Chateau Thebot, Bordeaux   $15

The Thebot is 85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon unfiltered to preserve the fruit. The wine ages in 1/3 new oak and has notes of dried sour cherries, chocolate, coffee and vanilla.

Chateau Charbonneau, Sainte Foy la Grande, Fuix du Chene   $13

50% Cabernet Franc, 38% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon from the obscure Sainte Foy la Grande appellation on the slopes of Pessac sur Dordogne. The Fuix du Chene is aged 11 months in 2 to 5 year old barrels of an untraditional mix -- 75% American Oak and 25% French Oak. The Fuix du Chene is complex that lingers on the palette. The American oak brings hints of vanilla which soften the tannins.

Chateau Segonzac, 1er Cote de Blaye, Tradition   $20

The Segonzac vineyards are planted with 60% merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the rest being a mix of Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petite Verdot. The tradition is tank aged. The wine has spicy fruit and soft tannins with notes of caramel and licorice in the finish, typical of the terrior.

Chateau de Lascaux   $20

60% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon from 35 to 40 years old vine. Chateau de Lascaux is located at Saint-Martin-Du-Bois, a small town situated 15 kms north of Libourne, The wine is aged for 18 months in oak barrels of which 1/3 are new. The wine is full of blueberry, raspberry and black current fruit with a touch of vanilla. The 2005 has won numerous awards in Europe.