BRINGING SEXY BACK TO MERLOT

Fronsac is a region that, prior to the Classification of 1855, was one of Bordeaux’s most popular wine producing communes. In the hills along the rivers Dordogne and I’Isle, this commune lies just west of Pomerol – what would be considered Right-Bank wines. The Chateau La Vieille Cure Fronsac 2006 is a remarkable new find for me. American-owned, this Chateau is quite impressive. Predominantly Merlot (75%) with the balance being made up of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon (20% and 5% respectively), this Bordeaux shows off its cedary and red fruit sinew, intermingling with some black currant, licorice, earth and morel notes – this would make for an excellent barbeque wine, or just steaks on the grill, with the smell of smoke and falling leaves in the background.

There are several other wines from Fronsac that you should seek out, including Chateau de la Riviere, Chateau de Carles, and Chateau Fontenil. Who knows, La Vieille Cure (or any of these other Chateaux) may just help bring the sexy back to Merlot.