2015 Red Bordeaux Wine Chateau Paullac

This bottle of ’15 Chateau Paullac red wine cost $100.00. Coming from this renowned wine region, it is a Cabernet Sauvignon blend. Frankly, I was expecting more character from an elite French wine. Because it’s a French wine sold in the U.S.A, it’s prestige probably accounts for the cost. The is very good, but it lacks those rich, in-depth nuances of a great Cab. The nose is floral; it has skinny legs, but shows that dark red color. There was tobacco, mineral, and a heavy cedar tannin finish. If you enjoy a heavy dry Cabernet Sauvignon, then you’ll like this Red Bordeaux wine. Tasting note: I was curious how temperature affected this Red Bordeaux wine. Before opening, it was chilled to 64°f, which a good red wine temp. Next, I placed the bottle in the white wine section, chilling it to 54°f. Lastly, I allowed the wine to reach room temperature of 72°f. At each of these tastings, there wasn’t a significant difference from the initial first pour. I prefer a more rounded Cab with mysteries to find in each new glass. The states of California, Oregon and Washington produce really good stuff at far less cost. For the longest time, I kept fighting the mind-over-matter about French wines. They had to be so much better than other wines, because of their long French wine heritage. French wines seemed so complex with their old-world mystic. At first, I blamed my unsophisticated pallet for lack of appreciation. Next, I blamed my inexperience about such sophisticated elite level wines. I saw their labels depicting Chateaus, the application, and its region. But nothing about the wine inside that bottle. Then, a very fine Washington State Cab slapped me along side the head, which I was really enjoying… The issue is “expectations”: A. French winemakers place highest priority on the region, the noble estate lands, and their application. The grape is the last of considerations, because the vines are replaced after so many decades. B. New World (U.S.A.) winemakers place the care of each varietal first: plant in the right soil, nurture & care for the vines, and harvest an intense grape. Of course, America’s vineyards are located in geographical and geological beneficial locales. I will pay more to get more, but I want the most at the best price. It’s a matter of preference in taste, nuances, crispness, and style. A bottle coming form a 1,600 year old estate isn’t as important as the enjoyment.