Wine on the Radio - March 12, 2004

The Médoc                                      Recommendations

Within the Bordeaux region the biggest and best known area is the Médoc.  

From the town of Bordeaux north to the Atlantic, the Médoc reaches inland from the Gironde estuary and is home to the many of the world's great wines.   Here's what to look for on the label.

Wines that are simply labeled Médoc can come from the northern part of the peninsula.   The southern part, or Haut Médoc, is the section nearest Bordeaux itself.   Within it are the villages that are so familiar . . . like Margaux, St. Julien and St. Estephe.   And the more tightly defined the growing district, the more refined the wine.  

Each Chateau and district pride themselves on their traditions and style . . . and being able to capture their unique terroir.   The best vineyards are quite close to the Gironde and thrive on the gravelly soils and the temperate Atlantic climate.

The Médoc, where cabernet is king - it's the heart of Bordeaux and perhaps the soul of French wine.  

Pop the cork™.                           Listen to the show

Some Wines from The Medoc - Our Picks . . . All Prices Approximate

Ch. Belair 1998 Haut-Medoc $18
Bordeaux, France
Winemaker's Notes
Well structured, finely balanced Medoc with an easy, accessible charm

Ch. Coufran 1998 Haut-Medoc $22
Bordeaux, France
Winemaker's Notes
Coufrans exceptional charm lies in its approachability when young without sacrifice of longevity

Ch. de Pez 1999 St. Estephe $35
Bordeaux, France

Winemaker's Notes
Appearance:Bright, dense, and deep shimmering color. Nose:Powerful, toasty and spicy, with hints of freshly roasted coffee. Earthy aromas. Waves of complex aromas come through

Ch. Greysac 1999 Medoc $18
Bordeaux, France

Ch. Haut Batailley 1998 Pauillac $25
Bordeaux, France

Ch. Haut-Beausejour 2001 St. Estephe $22
Bordeaux, France
Winemaker's Notes
This rich Bordeaux is marked by a lovely dark red color, exceptional richness, aromatic finesse, and a strong tannic structure that promises long life

Ch. Sociando Mallet 1998 Haut Medoc $33
Bordeaux, France
Winemaker's Notes
Château Sociando-Mallet makes concentrated, deliciously balanced wines that equal many classified growths in quality

Ch. Pichon-Longueville-Baron 1999 Pauillac $50
Bordeaux, France

Ch. Margaux 1999 Pavillon Margaux $63
Bordeaux, France
Winemaker's Notes
Less complex in style and reaching maturity earlier than its illustrious parent, Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux is a sublime reflection of its terroir