Merlot! Cabernet!  It’s the crux of a delicious dilemma, and one that may play out on your holiday table.  How can you make everyone happy?   Look to blends, which can feature both the softness of merlot, and the tannin structure of cabernet, with the fruitiness of your favorite red.  Of the many places that make red blends, perhaps few are as famous as Bordeaux.  Featuring Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as Cabernet Franc, could Cháteau Moulin Lafitte Bordeaux be just the ticket for your guests.

Sight:  A ruby-garnet leaning into purple

Smell:  Bay leaf and bell pepper work there way out, followed by jammy blackberries, black cherry, and currant.  A touch of heat seeps out of the nose, and overlays from some spice and earthy.

Sip:  The slightly green hints from the nose pick up on the palate.  The body is smooth and on the moderate side.  Dark fruit dominates, with plums and blackberries being the leads.  Hints of spice and bay leaf finish things out.

Savor:  The ending starts easy on the tannin, but ramps up to aggressiveness.  Bay leaf and plums grow and grow, with just a hint of graphite.

Cháteau Moulin Lafitte Bordeaux is balanced but a bit green.  The strong tannic nature pulls this toward a food wine.  The slightly green elements are a bit forward as well.  While Cháteau Moulin Lafitte Bordeaux is well priced, but not particularly fun to drink.

Verdict: Green, Plum, Blackberries, Tannic
Rating: 75
Price: $8
Bordeaux, France
Blend: Merlot – 50%, Cabernet Sauvignon – 25%, Cabernet Franc – 25%

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