Dark magenta color with faint translucence; plum, raspberry, black currant, blackberry, some menthol on the nose; red plum, cedar, cherry on the palate.
Dry, medium tannins, average acidity. Somewhat awkward, flat fruit, and the menthol and cedar cause me issues on the finish. It lacks a deliciousness factor and also misses on the mellow softness of a merlot-dominant wine (this is 70% merlot and 30% cabernet sauvignon). Some may be intrigued by this because it clearly is not your everyday right-bank Bordeaux; give it a try if you are adventurous and can find a good price.
The wine is mevushal, which means it satisfies kosher rules for Passover (and for any other time of the year, for that matter).
The Côtes de Bordeaux Blaye region centers on the town of Blaye and is located on the right bank of the River Gironde; it surrounds the Côtes de Bourg AOC and is across the river from Pauillac and Margaux.
Château Bellerives Dubois Côtes de Bordeaux Blaye 2014 will appeal to some, but its lack of fruity deliciousness and general flatness of flavor will disappoint others (and, no, this wine clearly was not corked given its intriguing nose—which is its best feature). $14
Château Les Bertrand-Château Bellerives Dubois website
Other photo: Château Les Bertrands-Château Bellerives Dubois
