  I recently read an article about the crazy rise in prices for top wines from Bordeaux, almost entirely due to the huge demand from Chinese buyers. This has encouraged many people to start selling off their collections, with Andrew Lloyd Webber being one particularly well-known example. Whether the majority of the people drinking these wines have enough wine knowledge and experience to fully appreciate them is a debate for another day. However, I thought I would leap to your stressed wallets’ aid and give you a few top-quality alternatives.
Most Bordeaux red wines are made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes with others such as Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petite Verdot backing them up. So, I’ll focus on some of the seriously fantastic wines produced from these grapes in other areas. Perhaps you’ll be able to get ahead of the game and invest in the next big thing! I suggest you start with the regions these wines are from and then look for something that fits your budget.
1. Mas de Doumas Gassac http://www.daumas-gassac.com/
Known in the southern French area of the Languedoc as its own Grand Cru wine, this is a consistently outstanding-quality Cabernet. The secret has long since gotten out, though, and you may find it as difficult to find as some of the top Bordeaux wines.
2. Villa Maria Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2007, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand
Bordeaux blends from the Hawkes Bay region and, in particular, Gimlett Gravels have really started to put NZ Bordeaux blends and Syrah on the international map. This wine beat everything Australia or South Africa could put up against it in 2010. Compared to top Bordeaux, it's an absolute bargain.
3. Joseph Phelps Insignia, California, USA
For those of you who have had the pleasure of eating at some of California's great restaurants, this name will probably be familiar. Certainly not cheap, but perhaps easier to get hold of than top Bordeaux, it is sophisticated, complex and extremely consistent.
4. Fraser Gallop Cabernet Merlot, Margaret River, Western Australia
You will be able to drink this style a little earlier and it might not break the bank, but you won’t sacrifice much in the flavour. Fantastic wine from a real up-and-coming producer. Unfortunately, you may have to fly to Hong Kong to find a bottle, though.
Have fun and save yourself some money with these options!
Cheers,
Kris
kris@wineconnection.co.nz
0916-222-336
|
January 2013
