($20, Old Bridge Cellars): Although the producer is always the most important information on the label, sometimes the importer’s name makes me sit up and take notice.  For example, if Jeanne Marie de Champs’ name were on the back label, I would buy the wine.  Similarly, when you see Old Bridge Cellars on a bottle, it’s a good bet you’ll enjoy it. Château de Sours, located not far from St. Emilion and Pomerol, but sporting a simple Bordeaux appellation, delivers more than its pedigree suggests.  This Merlot-based blend leads with slightly earthy aromatics that you’d expect from that grape and follows with a lovely combination of red fruit-like flavors and herbal savory notes.  Mild tannins allow you to enjoy this refined wine now with broiled lamb chops.
89 Michael Apstein Oct 14, 2014