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Revision Time: Bordeaux Grand Cru

22/10/2013

 
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Rauzan-Segla - a Margaux Grand Cru 2nd Growth (1855 classification) isn't the average sort of wine Purple Teeth opens on a Tuesday, but then, this isn't your average Tuesday.

There's a wild thunderstorm outside, and I've got my WSET scholarship contest on Thursday, so this is hubby's attempt to "help with my homework". Yes, he loves Bordeaux.

I never really thought that at 40-something, I'd be trying for a scholarship. But since giving up my corporate career a year or so ago, all kinds of things I'd never have expected have happened, including coming out in the top 1% of WSET advanced students last year... maybe liking Bordeaux could happen? So back to the wine.

Mr Purple Teeth is a huge fan of left bank Bordeaux wines, and he claims this one (average £45 a bottle from independent retailers - this probably came from Selfridges some time ago) is one we should both love.

This is 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot. None of these are grapes I crave, though I did enjoy the recent comparative Cabernet tasting we did.

Mr PT wants to climb inside what he describes as a blackcurrant cigar box. "This smells of age".

I try to translate this into the vocabulary I'll need for Thursday - developing nose, potential for further aging, elegant and velvety tannins, medium + body, high acidity. But yes, blackcurrant and blackberry, vanilla, leather, cedar, and smoky toasty notes. Remind me again why I've been avoiding Bordeaux?

There's no doubt about it, this is a classy, full-flavoured delight. And yes, I'm loving it as I write this, though I know there are wines at half the price that I could drink without having to wait 10 years for them to become this interesting and tasty.

Nevertheless, if Bordeaux is your bag, I will happily share a glass of this with you.

Now, can the examiners please bring this on Thursday morning?

I promise I'll go back to studying soil type, climate & pruning methods meanwhile.

Cheers!

Perfect Friday Wine
22/10/2013 02:37:53 pm

Go Girl!


Comments are closed.

    Purple Teeth

    My name's Heather and I've been enjoying wine for over 20 years. I'm the 2013 winner of the Wine and Spirit Education Trust Rhone prize for oustanding students at the advanced level.
    My mission is to share my passion for the myriad varieties of fermented grape juice, hopefully inspiring you to try something new, or to host  a Purple Teeth wine party in your own home or business.

    My blog mainly features wines you should be able to find on your local high street or online, and occasionally, I will review restaurants, travel and other forms of alcohol, since my qualification covers spirits too.  I believe it's important to enjoy the calories and the cash we spend on alcohol, and I hope my guidance can help you reduce the risk of making a bad buy.
      
    When I'm not drinking wine, you'll find me on the dance floor where West Coast Swing is my dance of choice. Socialising with the friends I've made there from all over the world has also brought me new adventures in alcohol!  And just in case you're interested, I also write a blog called Confidence Within.  You'll find it at heatherharrison.weebly.com


    Remember to enjoy wine sensibly...
    For a woman, 2-3 units per day is the recommended maximum allowance.  This equates to around one standard "pub measure" glass of wine:
    175ml of 13% alcohol wine is 2.3 units (and a scary 140 calories).  
    You'll find all the facts you need about safe, moderate drinking at the www.Drinkaware.co.uk site. 
    Purple Teeth supports safe drinking. Never drive or operate machinery after drinking alcohol.

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