2005 Chateau Saint-Genes Bordeaux

Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc

Region: Bordeaux, France

Food pairing: Balsamic-marinated beef kebabs

A lot of people may tell you good Bordeaux is too expensive to have on a regular basis - and a lot of people would be wrong.   A blend of Cabernet, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the 2005 Chateau Saint-Genes is nothing less than an (affordable) force to be reckoned with. Stellar vintage aside, this wine truly is a representation of the land from whence it came, and brims with earthiness and spicy warmth.   As one of our wine associates, Laura, who recently tasted it for the first time recalls, "flavors of menthol and tobacco take the reins on the entry, before giving way to a hodgepodge of ripe fruit and leathery mocha. The tannins are like tiny exclamation points on the palate, and while slightly dusty at first, they soon make a clean sweep mid-palate and mellow out beautifully for the long finish."  I couldn't have said it better myself, (who doesn't love exclamation points on their palate?) and can't wait to have a glass with some tasty char-grilled meat kebabs.