Wine Cellar: Bordeaux bottles

With 1,200 square kilometers of vines, Bordeaux is the largest region producing fine wines in France.

By OFER ZEMACH
michel lynch wine 88 (photo credit: )
michel lynch wine 88
(photo credit: )
With 1,200 square kilometers of vines, Bordeaux is the largest region producing fine wines in France. Its scale, together with the diversity of soil types and microclimates, favors the production of a variety of wines (reds, rosés and whites) under 57 different appellations. It is a region of many grape varieties, of which the most widespread are Merlot, which gives rich alcohol, softness, fruit and full body to the wines; Cabernet Sauvignon, which gives rich tannins and helps make wines with a rich bouquet that are complex and balanced; and Cabernet Franc, which gives wines that are rich in alcohol with subtle aromas. Importing more than 500 selected wines from around the globe, The Scottish Company has recently added a variety of quality French wine from Jean Michel Cazes's group to its range. A man of passion, Cazes is the owner of Lynch-Bages winery and head of a family group that has been growing for many years in the area of wine and gastronomy. Cazes's selection of wines, which are made in ultra-modern facilities, combines both tradition and the modern style of Bordeaux wines - elegant, bold and accessible. These are blended wines from a selection that reflects the richness and diversity of the Bordeaux terroirs. Château Villa Bel-Air 2003: a full-bodied wine made as a blend of 50 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. Aged for 12 months in oak, it is very aromatic with ripe tannins. NIS 135 (not kosher) Michel Lynch Reserve 2006 Medoc: Not big in structure, but a very nice drinking wine with intense color and aromas of black cherry and coffee. NIS 68 (not kosher) L'Ostal Cazes - Estibals Minervois 2005: Taking its name from a beautiful plot of the estate, "Les Estibals," this is a blend - 30% Syrah, 35% Grenache, 35% Carignan. Aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, this is a powerful and elegant wine with a strong purple color, and shows aromas of blackberries and cherries. NIS 85 (not kosher)