Château Cap de Faugères Côtes de Bordeaux Castillon 2011: Dark purple color; elegant, complex nose promises baskets of dark fruit; delivers on the palate with jammy chocolate cherry, deliciously brisk black currant tang, black cherry, hint of oak, bit of balsamic; warm, rich, savory, full-bodied with gently restrained, slightly chewy, slightly sweet tannin. Made from 85% merlot, 10% cab franc, 5% cabernet sauvignon, it has superb purity, enchanting texture in the mouth, and splendid length. This is all you need to taste to be convinced about the massive value of Côtes de Bordeaux—extraordinary quality at reasonable prices. The Esquissaud family acquired Château Cap de Faugères in 1823; in 2005 Silvio Denz purchased the renowned estate; in 2008, Robert Parker wrote: “Always one of the top Côtes de Castillons.” Imposing history, modern endorsement, it doesn’t get much better. Côtes de Castillons is one of the easternmost appellations in Bordeaux and was created in 2009 to bring together several small côtes (sides) under a single banner. This effort is sincerely worth a taste. $21-25
