New vintage of this great value entry level Bordeaux red, the Blaye Cotes de Bordeaux from Auchan’s own label series. The 2018 was probably even better, though I’m not sure – they are a bit different, showing vintage character I guess. Both very well made and enjoyable.
Perfect ripeness, just perfect – at only 13% ABV. Classic Bordeaux elegance combined with merlot’s lushness: sweet toned but savoury blackcurrants, plums, a touch of graphite. Like the 2018, it’s more about fruit than oak, the palate is just silky smooth and seamless. The right amount of ripe tannins complete the picture, there’s not a hair out of place here. A lovely wine. 100% merlot.
Rating: very good, 87 points. Coup de coeur.
Price: around 1900 HUF (€5).
Stockists: Auchan Hungary, might be available in the French, German etc Auchan stores.
Value: great. Buy, buy!
Tasted: February, 2022.
Drinking window: perfect now, or drink over the next 4 years.
Source: own purchase.