Kicking off the week, we’re heading back to France for Bordeaux.  In the middle of summer, there’s nothing quite as delicious as a freshly grilled steak, served with a nice bottle of wine.  With the penchant for Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, Bordeaux tend to make good partners for rich meat dishes.    While it doesn’t carry the price tag of a Premier Cru, can Château Saint-Sulpice Red Bordeaux make a great pairing under $10, or is it worth paying a premium for something better.

Sight:  A medium purple that boarders on transparent, there are slight touches of orange on the edge.

Smell:  Cranberry, musk, and a slight waft of green pepper all come to the forefront.  Touches of blackberry and leather come together adding a little jammy character to the mix.

Sip:  The body is slightly flabby,and there are some strange earthy undertones bouncing around. Raspberries are complimented by lots of spices, including one slight close to cumin.  Hints of leather and mushrooms bounce around.   There’s a burn that comes through as well from the body.

Savor:  The ending is softer than the body implies it might be, with tannins, plum skin, more mushroom, and a hint of spice.  All the dark fruit on the ending is unripe.

Château Saint-Sulpice Red Bordeaux is not particularly enjoyable.  The issues are many.  Flavors are seemingly random, and at will.  The body is hot to the point it seems intentionally aggressive.  Plus, some of the earthy notes are just flat out unpleasant.  Overall, even though Château Saint-Sulpice Red Bordeaux is only $8, it’s not worth the price of admission.

Verdict:  Flabby, Musky, Leather, Earth, Spice
Rating: 67
Price: $8
Bordeaux, France