Every January for the past two years (this will be the third) we have had the exclusive opportunity to drink some of the best wines in the world, while mingling with their creators.  If you haven’t had a chance to go, let me recommend that you do.  This year the Grand Bordeaux tasting is happening Wednesday January 21 at the Church Street Ballroom.  From 7-10pm, guests will be transported into a world of fine wine led by the hospitality of a few of the best winemakers in the world. 

I could rave on and on about the wines and how this is such a special chance to taste wines that don’t come around very often, but instead, I’m going to show you a wine that’s on our shelves year round.  The illustrious winemaker that you can find on our shelves even after Bordeaux Grande is Jean-Philippe Janoueix.

I introduce this winemaker because everyone can enjoy their wines for a great price!  ABC carries 3 labels of his predominantly Merlot wines, including Ch La Confession (St. Emillion), price average $40 depending on the year; Ch Le Conseiller (Bordeaux Superieur), price average $19; Ch Croix Mouton (Bordeaux Superieur), price average $14.  These are three quality labels from a Grand Bordeaux winemaker. Merlot from Bordeaux has rich flavors that flow from the soil; think sweet black cherry, espresso, and cocoa with a silky, velvet finish that lingers.

These adjectives describe the wine I’ll delight in tonight, Ch Le Conseiller. I love introducing new wines to friends and family who would otherwise never know about them! Tonight is no different, as I uncork this bottle for my and my husband’s enjoyment.  I’m never disappointed with Jean-Phillipe Janoueix because they seem to be made with such love and care, without an out-of-this-world price. I sip tonight to reflect on the past year, as I look forward to seeing him again this year at the tasting. Hopefully I’ll be replacing this bottle for the next event.

Kathleen Anderson, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits wine supervisor

Follow me on twitter @ABCwinekat