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.
(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.
Thanks for bringing this to my attention Jamie. During COVID I have been ordering online so have not wandered around my LCBO store. Unless you or others recommend a new listing, I will not know about it. Will definitely add this to my next order.