Shipment from Enjoy Bordeaux

I've written about the Life Goes Better with Bordeaux marketing campaign previously. The CIVB has also included a blogger outreach program as part of their campaign.




The shipment, which they sent to me free of charge, is packaged very slickly with great art work. Of all the wine shipments I've gotten at work, this is the one that generated the most interest, just on the box alone.

Inside the box is a wine pairing wheel, but not one that pairs wine with food, instead it pairs wine with wine. It offers suggestions for Bordeaux wines that match your current wine profile. For example, if you like Merlots from Washington State the wheel recommends that you try a wine from Cotes de Blaye (Cotes de Blaye is the northernmost right bank region in Bordeaux).

The box also included a very large "Life Goes Better with Bordeaux" poster, which I am not really sure what to do with.

The best part though was the wine. The shipment included two bottles from the under $25 selection at Sherry Lehmann. My shipment included a 2006 Clarendelle Blanc (I've tried the red, which was excellent) and a 2004 Chateau Larose-Trintaudon, well-known for being a good value wine.

Obviously, I can't wait to break out these wines, reviews will follow.

Review: 2005 Clarendelle

Wine: 2005 Clarendelle Bordeaux



Review: I always like to find good quality, value-priced, Bordeaux wines. This is a wine with a handsome pedigree, it is produced by the same team that run the fabled Chateau Haut Brion.

This is a Merlot-based Bordeaux comprised of 82% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 13% Cabernet Sauvignon. The winemakers decided to limit the harvest to give this wine a much more forward feel. The nose hinted of dark fruit, almonds and it had a strong oak taste. The wine has a smooth taste that belies its young age, but you start to pick up on the subtle complexities as it sits on your palette. It is a very drinkable wine now, and it should get better over time.

Price: $21

Grade: 90