Merlot is so many things it is hard to know where to start: it is grown all over the world and is the third most planted wine-making grape variety (any guess what the first two are?); it is one of the primary grapes of Bordeaux; and it is the grape that was famously trashed in the film and book “Sideways”. It also makes Petrus, often cited as the most expensive wine in the world.
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The 100 point Little Pawn Chardonnay.
Just a few years into its relatively short life, CheckMate Artisanal Winery in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley was the first Canadian winery to earn perfect 100-point scores in back to back vintages for one of its Chardonnays. How do they meet the immense expectations from critics and wine consumers as a result? Like any good chess player, it starts with a plan to ensure your always thinking a few steps ahead.
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We toured Chateau La Couspaude (more commonly referred to simply as “Couspaude”) and tasted with members of the owners’ family as a part of a tour from Bordeaux to Rioja with Iberian Wine Tours. Couspaude is a Grand Cru Classé from the St. Emilion appellation in Bordeaux’ Right Bank. We toured their 200 year old winery, a gorgeous and authentic stone building, and the perfect place to learn all about a winery that is rich in history.
2007 Woodward Canyon Merlot
We have long been fans of Woodward Canyon and in our books, it is one of the most consistently terrific wines out there. This offering of theirs is no different. Medium red in colour, the initial aromatics are black cherry, wood, pepper, and a hint of coffee. Secondary notes of plum, mint and vanilla round off this beautifully complex wine. A “cab-lover’s Merlot” this is a full-bodied wine that has a terrific structure keeping everything in balance with a ridiculously long finish. Another winner from one of our favourite Washington wineries.
Excellent+
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The magnificent Chateau at Pichon Baron.
We enjoyed a spectacular lunch and tasting at this top Bordeaux estate as a part of the Iberian Wine Tours Bordeaux and Rioja Tour. As we pulled up to the Estate, we knew we were in for something extraordinary. The curving cement walls flanking the gates with vines growing up them spoke of class and regality. As we entered the estate we looked across an expanse of perfectly manicured lawn to the site of the Chateau itself: with its two round turrets, steep-pitched roofs, symmetrically spaced windows and reflection pond, it is the archetype of the French Chateau.
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