2018 Lacour Tourny (Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon), Bordeaux, France (Alcohol 13.5%, Residual Sugar 2 g/l) LCBO $11.85 (750ml bottle)

Ever since my first trip to Bordeaux for VinExpo almost 25 years ago, I’ve been trying to track down something similar to the extremely affordable red Bordeaux that I merrily consumed by the gallon when I was there. Although my search has been fruitless for over two decades, I was most happy to recently discover this addition to the LCBO General List, a truly everyday Bordeaux at a seriously accessible price. 

Too often I feel that people forget that Bordeaux is not only capable of producing blue-chip credit-card-melters for the 1%, but also makes a hell of a lot of very approachable red and white wine for those without a six or seven figure salary and substantial disposable income.

This Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon really turned my head last week, as for an entry-level red Bordeaux it certainly checks all the right boxes, and all for $11.85. Sure, you won’t be finding the complexities anywhere remotely near those of Cru bottlings, but as a decent tipple to accompany your midweek dinner, this is a rather terrific option. I’ll be making a Bavette steak and frites for the family tonight, and guess what I’ll be enjoying alongside it?

The nose is a pleasant combination of ripe red berry fruits (strawberries/raspberries) with black cherries and just a hint of woodspice. I find the the wine pretty juicy for a Bordeaux, with supple, well-managed tannins that still have a reasonably assertive grip, but still make for a very easy-drinking experience, as well as being a great introduction to red Bordeaux for the uninitiated.

Quite often when I find wines that exhibit extremely good value I’m almost tempted to score them just a little higher than I should, and so with that in mind I’ll give this a solid three and a half apples out of five, but one has to bear in mind that this wine is head and shoulders above everything else in the same pricing territory.

3.5 apples out of 5
(Three and a half apples out of a possible five)

 


Edinburgh-born/Toronto-based Sommelier, consultant, writer, judge, and educator Jamie Drummond is the Director of Programs/Editor of Good Food Revolution… And that’s a steal.