October - Wines of Bordeaux, Vivienne Franks

Vivienne Franks presented Bordeaux wines, to try and persuade us that Bordeaux had turned over a new leaf, and the wines are now competitive again.

The wines were all by Dourthe, who are one of the major producers in the region. The majority are stocked by the Wine Society, with a couple from Waitrose, and one (the Sauternes) which isn't readily available in the shops.

In price they ranged from £8.99 all the way up to the rarified levels of £25. 2 Whites, 5 Reds and 1 Sauternes to finish

As follows

White
Dourthe La Grande Cuvee 2012 - £8.99
Chateau Rahoul, Graves 2010 - £16

Red
Chateau Pey La Tour, Entre deux Mers 2008 - £9.95
Dourthe Reserve, Montagne St Emilion 2008 £10.25
Chateau Grand Barrail Lamarzelle Figeac. St Emilion Grde Cru 2005 £25
Chateau Rahoul, Graves 2008 - £16
Chateau La Garde, Pessac-Leognan 2004 - £22

Sauternes

Chateau Roumieu 2007

Overall – does Bordeaux hit the button - Its a tricky one, because the 4 “Expensive” wines, plus the Sauternes were all very good, but at those prices – they jolly well should be! I mean, I can see why people do rave about “top” Bordeaux wines, but they should be good, and I am not going to argue that one. BUT, the 3 wines at the £10 mark (8.99/9.95/10.25) were good, but not that good – I'm still personally convinced that I can find wines aqual or better, for £2 a bottle less.

So yes, you can get very good wines from Bordeaux – but you do have to pay for them.