Some Bordeaux reds are as fresh as springtime and well-suited for drinking in warmer weather. One such wine is Chateau Rollan De By, a very popular bottle in the American market. It is a Medoc “Cru Bourgeois,” actually a very strict appellation, despite its plebeian name – wines that are continuously monitored by professional tasters for quality control. Rollan De By represents excellent value, and the forward, lovable vintage of 2012 suits it to a T. It is rather unusual in that it is aged for 18 months in 100% new oak barrels. (90% French, 10% American)
2012 Chateau Rollan De By, Medoc, Cru Bourgeois $25 srp
Translucent, garnet color. Sumptuous and alluring ”wine-y” nose of roses and plums with overtones of coffee, green pepper and mushroom. Positively lilting. A light to medium-bodied mouth texture with bright raspberry fruit, and a brisk and lightly tart finish. A touch of bitterness blows off with airing. This wine has a freshness that is beguiling. Young and very attractive, it needs to breathe four hours tonight to show its mettle. (70% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc & 10% Petit Verdot) Drink now-2020.
89/100 points
To purchase this bottle of wine or to find something similar from a wide selection of wines, email or call Hope Valley Bottle Shop at 919-403-5200. Don’t miss their free wine tastings every Saturday evening from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. Find your favorite bottle or expand your palate with something new from Hope Valley Bottle Shop — South Durham’s original bottle shop. Visit them at the Woodcroft Shopping Center or at hvbottleshop.
