A pair of modest 2000 red Bordeaux
A month or so ago, Phil brought in a cache of well-stored Bordeaux from which I bought a few modestly priced selections. I went through a few bottles of 2000 Les Hauts de Pontet-Canet, Pauillac, concluding that it is a wine to drink up. At best it has deep aromas followed by gentle, mature wood box flavors. It is a luncheon wine. My favorite is the gutsy 2000 Chateau Fontenil, Fronsac. Produced before micro-oxygenation was introduced, it is saline and savory. Though mature, it has good life ahead and currently offers fine length. It is a good value at $30.
2000 Les Hauts de Pontet-Canet, Pauillac – $35
Imported by LVDH. Alcohol 13%. Some mature, deep notes on the nose. The flavors are wood box infused with a gentle and mature nature yet the wine is balanced and not old. It is in a focused, leaner style with a little minerality, a touch of ripe spice, and freshness. Good length. **(*) Now – 2022.
2000 Chateau Fontenil, Fronsac – $30
Imported by Bacchus Importers. Alcohol 13.5%. Savory salinity is bound with minerals and mature flavors. In a good state, it still comes across as fresh, with supportive acidity, a long finish, and good aftertaste. Has life yet. *** Now – 2024.
