Château Pey de la Tour 2008

Château Pey de la Tour 2008 from Berry Brothers and Rudd of London, is from the Entre-Deux-Mers in the Bordeaux region, the region between the two rivers and is made by Dourthe on this 140ha site.
It is a red wine made from a blend of 86% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, and as such is deep in colour, low intensity aromas of red and black fruits intermingle with spice, the tannin level is unexpectedly low, there is a lacking in concentration on both nose and palate but the length is long and fruit driven. The lack of concentration would lead me to believe that there is high yielding or poor vine maintenance and this may follow through to the winemaking. This wine due to the reduced tannin structure and flavour concentration should be drunk soon - and at the price of £11.75 seems good value.
Score : 88

Chateau Argadens Bordeaux Superieur 2007

Chateau d'Argadens Bordeaux Superieur 2007

Peter Sichel bought this 45ha Chateau in 2002 and in 2008 it changed its name slightly to Ch Argadens - losing the d'.... The vineyard based in the Entre-deux-mers region of Bordeaux underwent vast renovation and the wines now balanced but packed with fruit due to the low yield per hectare (42hl/ha)and spice. The blend is 63% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc and the age of the vines is about 30 years and  a soil of clay-limestone.

The grapes are pressed then fermented in stainless steel vats where they remain for post fermentation maceration as well as malolactic fermentation, then the wines are barrel matured for 12-14 months resulting in a medium ruby wine with wide rim with slight tints of garnet.
The aromas of red fruits and a leathery overtone of smokey spice together with darker fruits are also present in the taste along with tannins that are dry and coating, the body of the wine is supported by the warming alcohol and the finish is elegant with fruit and spice to the end, great structure and form! This is an early drinking wine and is well priced at £10.