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Thursday, 3 July 2014

Château la Tulipe de la Garde 2011 - Sainsbury's

A red Bordeaux from Chateau Tulipe

I rather feel this Bordeaux can be best summarised by its main attributes - a Bordeaux from 2011 made with oversight from consultant oenologist Michel Rolland that has won a stack of medals.

It is a very well-made entry-level Bordeaux with all the polish, assuredness and ripe, easy-drinking character you would expect from a Michel Rolland wine.

But 2011 was a cool year, so it lacks some of the substance of, say, the 2009 which I reviewed a while ago - but that's just vintage variation.

Overall, it is a pleasant, juicy and accomplished Merlot that is gently infused, the fruits more red than brambly, with only a gentle oaking; for early drinking, rather than cellaring.

A textbook example of how to make good wine in a cooler year, there is nothing not to like here.

Good.

The best food matches are perhaps more Burgundian than Bordelais - duck breast, salami or game terrine.

£9.99 from Sainsbury's; provided for review.

Other related articles
Chateau La Tulipe de la Garde, 2009
La Grand Barrail Lamarzelle, St Emilion Grand Cru, 2006 - Sainsbury's
Dourthe Reserve, 2009 - Montagne St Emilion

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