The pundits say 2020 was a good vintage year for red Bordeaux wines. This does not mean you fall hook line and sinker for every 2020 that comes your way. Who is behind the juice is perhaps most important. Not all wineries are created equal. One should ask when the grapes were picked. What were the blend percentages? Who is the winemaker and their reputation and past record? Given the “rage of terroir” where in Bordeaux were the grapes from? Most of us can’t answer these questions and we must rely on wholesale importers/buyers/agents to look out for our palate. But these are questions only the wholesale importer/agent purchaser can answer but their profit may be more important than your palate. Based on my personal experience the big importer in the Province of Ontario, a government monopoly, shouldn’t be importing and selling at least 30% of the wines on their shelves. And I will not cook with wine I will not drink so off it is to be returned.
Before gagging on the tyranny of government liquor monopolies perhaps we should move on and try a Cheval Quancard 2020 Bordeaux Réserve a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Aroma: The high Merlot percentage shines through giving the wine a lushness and softness on the nose with blackberry, black cherry and a smidge of dark chocolate.
Palate: There is a certain sternness to the wine surprising given the high percentage of Merlot. Acids and tannins in balance here. Mostly blackberry and black cherry. Moderately long finish.
Personality: Call me typically French however stereotypical that may be. We Frenchies (mechant ecrivan!) are a bit tight fisted with flaunting our fruit particularly here in Bordeaux.
Food Match: Mushroom Bourguignon over Polenta.
Cellarbility: Some softening can be expected through to 2026. Consume by 2028-year end.
Price $21.95 CDN (Ontario).
RKS 2024 Wine Rating: 91/100. jamessuckling.com 90.
(Cheval Quancard Réserve Bordeaux 2020, AC Bordeaux, Cheval Quancard, Carbon Blanc, France. 750 mL, 13.5%).
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