There is an ample supply at Vintages (Liquor Control Board of Ontario) of red Bordeaux under $25. Are they so much inferior to a Château Clarke 2016 from Baron Edmond de Rothschild at $55?
This wine is a blend of 70 % Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Aroma: A forceful and dense nose of plum, blackberry, cassis and black cherry. You might want to comment Merlot at its best with a precise measure of oak that does not overpower
Palate: The 70% Merlot is quite apparent here. There is no doubting of the smoothness on the palate but what about the burn? At 14% is the wine just too big for its britches? The severe tannins kick in at the end palate. The tannins overtake the fruit so can we say, bearing in mind the Rothschild name, the wine is still youthful? At one point in time high quality red Bordeaux was used to make long lasting wines at 12% alcohol that required years of ageing. At $55 a bottle is this a “tradition based” gamble you want to take. In this case, given the subliminal aroma I would.
Personality: Audrey Hepburn in “Nun’s Story” crossed with Telly Savalas in “The Dirty Dozen”.
Cellarbility: Best wait until 2027 to open and let it cruise until 2035.
Food Match: Grilled lamb (rare).
Price: $55 CDN (Ontario).
RKS 2024 Wine Rating: 91/100. Decanter.com 95. Natalie MacLean 93.
(Château Clarke 2016, AC Listrac-Médoc, Baron Edmond de Rothschild, Gironde, France, 750 mL, 14%)
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