This quartet of red Bordeaux was recommended by Phil at MacArthur Beverages. Priced between $13 and $20 these bottles represent good value for current consumption and a short-slumber in the cellar. For near-term drinking grab the 2014 Chateau Dubourg, Saint Emilion and the 2016 Chateau Francs Magnus, Bordeaux Superieur. These Merlot dominated blends each have their owner personality, dried herbs with the Dubourg and intense stones with the Francs Magnus. For drinking over the next decade, after a few more years in the cellar, grab the 2016 Chateau Senejac, Haut-Medoc and the 2014 Chateau du Taillan, Haut-Medoc. These show a bit more backbone from the Cabernet Sauvignon. The Senejac is cool, balanced, and spiced whereas du Taillan takes on some earthiness.
2014 Chateau Dubourg, Saint Emilion – $17
Imported by MacArthur Beverages. This wine is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. Alcohol 13.5%. Round and creamy with a blue fruited start then a vein of minerals with black fruit. The low-lying, supple tannin provide subtle support. The wine wraps-up with a very black, stone laden finish. Intense in character with a bit of bitterness. **(*) Now – 2014.
2016 Chateau Francs Magnus, Bordeaux Superieur – $13
Imported by MacArthur Liquors. This wine is a blend of 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. Alcohol 14%. This reflects a good, youthful state. The mixture of red and blue fruit is a little tart with flavors of dried herbs, and dry wood box carried by juicy acidity. This vein of acidity carries into the tart, and citric finish. With air notes of rosemary come out as does a coating of fat. Strong value. *** Now – 2013.
2016 Chateau Senejac, Haut-Medoc – $20
Imported by MacArthur Beverages. This wine is a blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot. Alcohol 13.5%. A spiced nose of black berries. Young with focused flavors of black fruit and exotic spice. There is a mineral touch with some perfume in the finish. The spiced tannins take a grip on the gums. The overall cool tilt to the flavors makes for a fresh wine with supportive acidity and good length. Will develop and last. *** Now – 2029.
2014 Chateau du Taillan, Haut-Medoc – $19
Imported by MacArthur Liquors. This wine is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Alcohol 14.5%. Round and black fruited this has a focused core of fruit. It takes on some earth before the mineral finish. This is a mouth filling wine with more structure for development. It leaves a drying sensation on the gums along with a licorice hint. It should develop for another year or two. *** Now – 2026.
