Live Blogging from IFBC

I am currently attending the Bordeaux Wine tasting and writing workshop at the IFBC with Sam Klingberg and Ward Kadel. As we all know, Bordeaux Wines are world known for their quality and their highly priced bottles.

The session kicked off with a Crémant de Bordeaux, a fresh bubbly that is light and easy to drink.

We continued with the L' Orangerie de Carignan 2011, a clear, citrus-y Sémillon grape wine with strong aromas and earthy flavors. The Château Carignan Prima 2009 was next. This 100% Merlot, has strong blackberry aromas, is earthy and full bodied. Le Château Graville Lacoste 2012 comes with peach aromas and pairs well with salmon and creamy dishes. The wine is a blend of 75% Sémillon and 25% Sauvignon Blanc.

Château Guillou 2010 from Montagne Saint-Émilion  is a blend of 75% Merlot and a 25% Cabernet Franc. This darker red is earthy and smooth and pairs with spicy foods.

We moved to the most famous AOC of Bordeaux, the Château La Tour De Bessan Margaux 2009, a blend of 46% Merlot and 54% of Cabernet Sauvignon. This exceptional wine that can age for thirty year, is powerful and ideal for sophisticated dinners.

Finally, we tasted the Château Haut-Mayne Sauternes 2010, an easy to drink dessert wine with strong butterscotch flavors and sweet taste.

Bordeaux Wines can often be a rather rare choice from American diners but they worth a try. So next time at a wine store, grab a Margaux and give it a go.