Chateau Barrail Meyney Bordeaux

Chateau Barrail Meyney 
Bordeaux 2010
Bordeaux, France

80% Merlot. 15% Cabernet Franc. 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.

I've been wanting to write about this wine for MONTHS. Yet every time I bought a bottle, before you knew it ... POOF, il a disparu! Whether enjoying with friends or oneself this is one fabulous affordable Bordeaux!

Deep, rich, sienna red garnet in color, this wine has a pronounced earthiness on the nose.  You could even say funky/musty earth, like moss or humous on the forest floor.  I detected some herbaceous qualities ... Mysterious notes of anise and fennel, like red/black licorice make their way through as the wine opens up. Flavors of dark cherry and spice emerge on the palate, accentuated by a silky mouthfeel.  Medium bodied, this is still weighty without being heavy, with a long, dry, elegant finish.  This is the perfect wine to enjoy on an autmnal rainy (or otherwise) day!  Pair with roasted harvest vegetables such as parsnips, garlic, squashes, potatoes, beets, etc., and roasted chicken or beef.  $13.99/btl at Downeast Beverage Co.

The estate of Barrail Meyney is located in Génissac, between the two major rivers of Bordeaux, i.e., the Garonne and Dordogne.  Approximately 5 miles from St.-Emilion, the Chateau lies just outside the appellation (or designated growing area). However, one definitely experiences the influence of area and terroir in the glass!

You can find this lovely bottle mainly in  midcoast Maine at the Belfast Coop in Belfast, French & Brawn in Camden and Rayr Wines in Rockport.  I was shocked to learn of only one purveyor in the Portland area, that is Downeast Beverage Co., located at 79 Commercial St.  Bravo to them!  Other retailers include:  Ampersand in Orono, State Street Wine Cellar, Bangor; The Claremont Inn, Southwest Harbor; The Country Store, Trenton; John Edwards Market, Ellsworth; Rising Tide Natural Foods, Damariscotta and Treats in Wiscasset.  

This wine comes to us via Easterly Wine in Belfast and through the importer Ideal Wine & Spirits Co., Inc., Medford, MA.