The wine is a blend of Merlot (85%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (15%).
As for aromatics blackberry rules supreme. To a lesser extent blueberries, black cherry, root beer and a bit of lavender. I am noticing an increasing streak of root beer in some high alcohol wines. This wine is 14%.
On the palate the tannins are of a moderate nature. The palate is chunky and dense and a bit hot due to its alcohol content. Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon might have liked “Some Like it Hot” but not all wine drinkers do. Black currants, cactus pear and loganberry. A lack of complexity. If I want some warmth on a cold fall day I’d prefer a bourbon over this heat box. But you may like a red wine with some “punch” so you’ll be content with this.
You may wish to decant two hours prior to serving which in this case muffled its burn. Alternatively use Pinot Noir stemware and swirl generously. I sense a beauty in this wine but the question is how to bring that beauty to the forefront.
(Château de la Chapelle 2018, Blaye, AC Côtes de Bordeaux, Vignoble Luc Schweitzer, Berson, France, $20.95, Liquor Control Board of Ontario # 25385, 750 mL, 14%, RKS Wine Rating 87/100).
A Bird's Eye View of Fashion, Food, Travel, Culture, Beverage and Curiosity 