Wines and Beyond

Ship a bottle for just a buck. Details at Wine.com.Red Wine by Ch\\xE2teau Pavie from St-Emilion, Bordeaux. This 92-acre vineyard, which enjoys an impeccable southern orientation, is composed of limestone on the upper slopes, clay and limestone in the middle, and sand and clay at the base. Proprietor Gerard Perse, who has done a brilliant job since acquiring the estate in 1998, continues to push the envelope of quality to higher and higher heights. Planted with 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, the grapes receives kid glove treatment with hand-harvesting into small plastic lugs, two triage tables, and aging for 28 months in 100% new oak that is purchased in advance, then air-dried and coopered according to Perse's specifications. In short, the man is a perfectionist, and the quality of all the estates he owns has soared dramatically. The 2003 Pavie (7,080 cases; 13.5% alcohol) is closest in style to the 2000, but slightly more evolved and exotic. Its dense plum/purple color is accompanied by an extraordinary perfume of charcoal, creme de cassis, melted licorice, espresso roast, and blackberries. The wine, which hits the palate with a dramatic minerality, comes across like a hypothetical blend of limestone liqueur intermixed with black and red fruits. With massive depth, richness, and body, this tannic 2003 should be forgotten for 4-5 years, then enjoyed over the next four decades. The integration of acidity, tannin, and wood is flawless, and the wine is incredibly pure, rich, and intense. Kudos to Gerard Perse, who is trying, in a more modern fashion, to recreate the glories of such ancient Bordeaux vintages as 1921, 1929, 1945, 1947, 1949, 1959, and 1961. From my perspective, he comes as close to that goal as anyone in Bordeaux. 98 Points Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate

Ship a bottle for just a buck. Details at Wine.com.Red Wine by Ch. Bertin from St-Emilion, Bordeaux. Blend: 75% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc This is a wonderful entry level Bordeaux. It holds a deep purple color in the glass. On the nose, intense aromas of red fruits from the ultra-ripe Merlot along with toasty oak flavors. It's full, round, and weighty in the mouth with excellent structure and balance. This estate is located just north of village of Saint Emilion and the estate and vineyards date to the Gallo-Roman epoch. Letters from the Roman Consul and poet Ausone to Rome indicate that wines from this estate were served on the table of Cesar. Extensive archaeological excavations have resulted in spectacular discoveries, including a Venus and a Diana, the later which now resides in the Louvre Museum in Paris.