The wine for this pairing is Château Côte Montpezat 2000 from Côtes de Castillon in Bordeaux, which Cavanaugh featured at a recent tasting in Wegmans. For $14.99, at Wegmans, this wine is a “great value for a stellar vintage that is drinking very well,” Cavanaugh points out. Specifically, it offers “dark fruits, ripe cherry and chocolate flavors, silky smooth tannins and just a hint of mint on the finish.” The 2000 blend includes 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Cavenaugh enjoyed it with Irish cheddar, another great match.

Adventure wine specializes in wine marketing/public relations and private, educational wine tasting events. As the owner and founder of this company, Cavanaugh’s credentials include certifications from the Windows on the World Wine Academy in New York, The Wine and Spirits Education Trust of London (WSET), The Court of Master Sommeliers, and Le Conseil Interprofessionnel du Vin de Bordeaux. Cavanaugh’s background also includes serving as former Director of Beverage and Sommelier for Ritz Carlton Hotels in New York City and Palm Beach, Fla.

Other wine pros apparently agree with Cavanaugh recommendation of this wine. Gary Vaynerchuk rates it 91-92, noting that it “rocked our socks” when he a colleague tried it. It was on sale at Wine Library for $18.98, but is now sold out. The Wine Spectator rates it 86, noting: “Pretty aromas and flavors of blackberries and spices. Medium-bodied, with firm tannins and a medium finish. Better than from barrel. Best after 2005.”

  The panel was very enthusiastic about 2006, despite having to compare it to the historic 2005 vintage.  Mr. Parker credited the Bordelais for the significant improvements made to the vinification processes in the region.  He commented that 30 years ago, the conditions nature presented in 2006 would have been impossible to overcome, and the painstaking efforts exerted in Bordeaux are on display in this vintage.

  The tasting was organized in regional flights that included Pomerol, St. Emilion, St. Julien, Pessac-Leognan, Margeaux, and Sauternes.  All of the wines showed exceptionally well.  The wines of Margaux truly excelled, and were described by Parker as “seamless”.  Chateaux D’Issan exemplified that description; all of its aromas, flavors and tannins come together harmoniously. 

  Chateau D’Issan dates back to the 17th century, and was classified as a Third Growth in the official classifaction of 1855.  Its proprietor, Emmanuel Cruse II, took the reigns at the age of 30 and has since invested heavily in improving the property.  This rich history and commitment to quality usually amount to a high price at the register.  This wine can be found for as low as $40, which is a phenominal value, especially next to comparable wines such as Chateau Palmer, which retails for more than $180.

David Snyder, of the Wine School of Philadelphia, thinks the 2004 Chateau Léoville Barton, Saint-Julien is a steal. Léoville Barton is a second-growth classified vineyard in the Saint-Julien appellation of Bordeaux. The wine, which is made at Chateau Langoa Barton, consistently rates high for its structure and classy style; it will age in the bottle for many decades. The Barton family has owned the estate and produced this wine for over 170 years. Prices for a single bottle are currently as low as $55. Prices for the 2005 Léoville Barton average $130, and have been spotted over $200!