2009 Margaux Bordeaux Blend Wine between $25 and $50

Well structured, this has dry tannins over vivid black fruits. It shows acidity but also great juicy sweetness.

With vineyards located amidst the finest parcels of Chateau Margaux, cru bourgeois La Gurgue offers one of the purest expressions of Margaux terroir in the entire commune. Tasting the 2009 with its dynamic owner Claire Villars was one of the highlights of my recent visit to Bordeaux. The 2009 opens with a pure Margaux bouquet of violets, spring flowers and a hint of vanilla. It rolls over the palate with lush notes of fresh berries, cherries, and spice, and finishes with smooth, fine grained tannins. Quite expressive and utterly graceful.

--Ben Giliberti, CW Director of Wine Education