Wine of the Week!

Chateau Coufran Haut Medoc 2003   $22      

Here’s our Wine of the Week pick for you.  It’s a ready to drink wine from Bordeaux…Chateau Coufran 2003 Haut Medoc.  

Coufran is 85% Merlot from the left bank of the Gironde River which is typically Cabernet country.   Chateau Coufran has the classic Merlot flavors of dark ripe berries along with a smoky nuance that really adds to the range of the taste experience.  And with 15% Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend there is the structure and tannin to give it age ability and complexity.   

It’s a bold and expressive wine!  That’s why we like it so much… it’s not what you expect from a youthful Bordeaux.  2003 was a very hot, unique year and you can taste the ripeness in the deep plum-like flavors.   

At about twenty two dollars Chateau Coufran 2003 Haut Medoc delivers a great taste of Bordeaux that’s unsnooty and fun…just the thing for a wine of the week.   

Pop the Cork™.

Wine on the Radio - August 3, 2007

Winemaker's Notes and Comments

Château Coufran is situated on 162 contiguous acres of gravel ridges which are the continuation of the gravel outcroppings of Saint-Julien and Saint-Estèphe. The breezes rising from the Gironde cool the vineyard and diperse the clouds, creating a superb climatic environment. Technical improvements to vinification equipment completed in 1974 have helped to reinforce Coufran's reputation for reliable consistency, and its seductive, plummy Merlot character has earned the wine reference as the Pomerol of the Médoc.

Coufran's exceptional charm lies in its approachability when young without sacrifice of longevity. Its deep color and earthy, aromatic black fruit fragrance are distinctively Merlot, and are confirmed on the palate with cassis and raspberry flavors set in a firm but ripe tannic structure marked by a seductive, fat richness that is not without elegance. These carry into a long, luscious finish of considerable harmony.

Wine Advocate 89 points - This deep plum/ruby/purple-tinged hussy boasts plenty of jammy black cherry fruit interwoven with notions of smoke, vanilla, and white chocolate. It is a sexy, up-front, fleshy effort with low acidity as well as abundant fruit, glycerin, and texture. Consume it over the next 7-8 years.

Notes on our Wines of the Week, Recommendations, and Picks:

When you read our thoughts, please remember that you may think differently.  A particular wine may be your favorite and not on our list.  Well, don't stop buying it because of that.  In fact, you may want to email us and let us know about it. These are our opinions but our FIRST recommendation is to go by your own palate.

A couple of other thoughts...first, prices are approximate.  They'll vary.  Second, different vintages mean different grapes and different tastes so our recommendation for a 2000 Merlot may not hold for 2001.

And lastly, we remind you to drink responsibly!  Now, all that said, here is a summary of  links to our suggestions.  Find one (or more) and pop the cork!

Read the fine print . . .

Wine consumption can have positive physical benefits or cause possible physical harm . . . the medical community is divided in some areas.  If you have any doubt, check with your doctor before consuming wine or any other alcoholic drink. 

Our information is well researched.  Recommendations are based on our opinions at the time of publication.  At the same time, recommendations change.  Also, there may be significant variance in taste depending on storage, shipping, and other factors.

The Wine Experience is not liable or responsible for any consequences arising from the use of the information obtained from winexperience.com, wineexp.com or The Wine Experience radio show.

The Wine Experience is intended for adults (over 21 years old).  Drink responsibly and don't drink and drive!

Notes on our Wines of the Week, Recommendations, and Picks:

When you read our thoughts, please remember that you may think differently.  A particular wine may be your favorite and not on our list.  Well, don't stop buying it because of that.  In fact, you may want to email us and let us know about it. These are our opinions but our FIRST recommendation is to go by your own palate.

A couple of other thoughts...first, prices are approximate.  They'll vary.  Second, different vintages mean different grapes and different tastes so our recommendation for a 2000 Merlot may not hold for 2001.

And lastly, we remind you to drink responsibly!  Now, all that said, here is a summary of  links to our suggestions.  Find one (or more) and pop the cork!

Read the fine print . . .

Wine consumption can have positive physical benefits or cause possible physical harm . . . the medical community is divided in some areas.  If you have any doubt, check with your doctor before consuming wine or any other alcoholic drink. 

Our information is well researched.  Recommendations are based on our opinions at the time of publication.  At the same time, recommendations change.  Also, there may be significant variance in taste depending on storage, shipping, and other factors.

The Wine Experience is not liable or responsible for any consequences arising from the use of the information obtained from winexperience.com, wineexp.com or The Wine Experience radio show.

The Wine Experience is intended for adults (over 21 years old).  Drink responsibly and don't drink and drive!