2003 Chateau Reysson Reserve

It has been nearly three months since my last Bordeaux post, which is surprising given that Bordeaux wines are the single biggest collection in my cellar. However, with BBQ season upon us, the red Bordeaux will be flowing around here! Unfortunately, it is a rather young collection (mainly due to my 'enthusiastic' participation in the 2003 futures), so I have to be patient - I find 3-5 years in the cellar for a modest Bordeaux, like tonight's Cru Bourgeois, to be a decent amount of cellar time, as we see tonight.

The 2003 Chateau Reysson 'Reserve du Chateau' is a Cru Bourgeois from the Haut-Medoc appelation in Bordeaux. In the glass it was a shiny, cherry red, with big smokey aromas the first to appear. Very earthy, like the scents of wet undergrowth and wet stones on a walk through a rain-drenched forest, it also showed some leather, tar, and pine, with some subtle perfumes of violet and strawberry. Well done!

On the palate this medium-bodied wine was dry, elegant and well balanced with firm, but silky tannins, good acidity and decent length. Less complex than the nose, but it was very enjoyable. Overall, a very competently made Bordeaux to be enjoyed now, or over the next few years. An excellent foil for a simply prepared steak, right off the grill.
13.5% alcohol
Score: 16.5/20
Price: $25 (LCBO) (futures)
~1 hour decant