The Chateau Plaisance 2014 comes from St. Emilion on the right bank of Bordeaux in France, which means it is made mostly of Merlot grapes. Wines that come from the left bank are predominately Cabernet Sauvignon.
This one is blended with 20% Cab Sauv and 10% Petit Verdot and is classified as a second tier wine, a Bordeaux Superieur, which is one level up from regional, the most basic classification. The second best is Cru Bourgeois, and the best, Grand Cru.
With Cru Bourgeois, the vintage (year) of the wines are tasted by a panel who decide if the wine from that heat is worthy of this classification. Grand Cru wines are actually based on a designation established in 1855.
This wine is spicy and has a nose and palate of blackberry and black cherry with a little oak and smooth tannins. It pairs very nicely with grilled meats and hamburgers, and is quite nice to drink on its own as well.
It retails for around $20 and was part of the Screwtop Wine Bar wine club last month. Cheers!
This wine was imported and distributed by Kysela Père et Fils.