As we’ve kicked off the holiday season, the timing seemed right to test the maturity of a couple of classified Bordeaux growths.  One was the 2003 Chateau Calon Segur from the Saint-Estephe and the other, the 1999 Chateau Margaux Margaux.  On the everyday front, we enjoyed the 2008 Seghesio Sonoma County Zinfandel and a Barbera that never disappoints, the 2008 Fontanafredda Briccotondo Piedmont.

Chateau Margaux Margaux, 1999:

One of the first growth Bordeaux, it’s always exciting for me when these wines enter their drinking window.  This estate always seems to excel, even in an off vintage such as 1999.   I chose to decant the wine, knowing that it had been laying on its side for the last 8 years and good thing.  A thin layer of sediment coated the dependent side of the bottle.  I allowed the wine to aerate in the decanter for a couple of hours and what a treat it was!  Gorgeous scents of soft raspberry, vanilla and coffee swirled about the decanter as the wine was poured, soon followed by beautiful floral notes.  Paired with beef Bourguignon, this was a heavenly match.  Needless to say, every last drop was consumed.  This experience, while seemingly expensive at ~$400, pales next to the 2000 vintage at ~$1500 and 2009 futures at ~$900.  The wine should drink well for the next ten years and is easily available with 16,665 cases produced.   While you won’t find this wine in Tucson, the internet is a great alternative to locate a source.

Chateau Calon Segur Saint-Estephe, 2003

A third growth Bordeaux, this is a just a fabulous way to sample a top Bordeaux wine at a fraction cost of a first growth.  As with the Margaux, we elected to decant the wine, not so much for sediment but as to aerate.  Displaying beautiful crushed berries, a hint of black licorice and soft oak, this is an outstanding wine that is just entering its drinking window which should go out another 7-8 years.  Runs ~$80 and is well available with around 17,500 cases produced.  As with the Margaux, it’s very unlikely that you’ll find this wine in Tucson but that doesn’t mean you have to forgo the pleasure…….Go find it!

Fontanafredda Barbera Piedmont Briccotondo, 2008:

One of the best red food wines out there is a Barbera.  Its fresh acidity allows the wine to pair with grilled or bbq meats, pizza, grilled chicken and almost any dish accented with tomatoes or tomato sauce.  Best of all, the wine tends to be very affordable.  The Fontanafredda at ~$15 is simply delicious with raspberry and blackberry fruit and an almost creamy palate of toasty vanilla.  Best of all, they produce around 40,000 cases per vintage so the wine is always accessible.  If you have some, drink it over the next 6 months or so.  If not, there’s always the ’09 and ’10 to consider.  I’ve seen this Barbera from time to time in Tucson (I think at AJ’s) and I did discover it at an outstanding wine shop in Santa Fe recently.

Seghesio Zinfandel Sonoma County, 2008:

Seghesio is a top producer of Zinfandel, with the Sonoma County displaying lots of dried cherry, classic pepper and licorice scents and accented with dried herbs and firm tannins.  69,000 cases were released and at a price of ~$24, this is a worthwhile addition to your stock.  The wine should drink well for the next few years.  Keep in mind that Seghesio also produces several higher end Zins such as the Rockpile and Old Vine while are well worth the higher prices, as well.  Seghesio is always well distributed throughout Tucson wine retailers.