Chateau Haut Perthus

I was fortunate to be able to visit France last summer. One week was spent in the country, just outside the town of Bergerac. Bergerac is about 90 minutes from "downtown" Bordeaux, but only about 30 minutes outside the border of where a winery is legally allowed to label their wine "Bordeaux."

Imagine my surprise the other day in my local wine & spirits store to see a stack of boxes containing Chateau Haut Perthus 2004 from, you guessed it, Bergerac. The display says it's 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, and only $9.99. Of course I had to pick one up.

One thing I noticed in France is that many of the wine bottles only have a label on the front, no smaller label on the back. This wine does have a back label...apparently to comply with U.S. product labeling requirements. And right on that back label in red letters it says "88 Points, Best Value Wine Spectator May 15, 2006," and below in smaller type it contains the complete review.

Haven't opened it yet but am looking forward to it.

Good tip, I'll look for this.

I also had the chance to spend some time in France this September, and Bordeaux was my least favorite area (incl Alsace, Burgundy, No & So Rhone, Provence, and for what it's worth in the wine world, Alps). St Emilion is touristy and I guess sympa, Pomerol next door is a ghost town and Pauillac is downright hostile. Best tastings for me were in Margaux, which came as a surprise.

Bordeaux is scary when venturing solo & looking for value - if you have any other tips please pass 'em along!

Nice bottle of wine at twice the $9.99. Very nice nose-more Cab up front than I would have thought. Plenty of Bordeaux-like qualities. Makes me wish I had snatched up more. Will have to scour the system for more.

Had this last night and it was really enjoyable. Give it a few hours to breathe and for the funk to blow off. After it opens up there is dark red fruit, leather, tobacco, and some floral action. Thanks for the tip on this one.