At the gates of Pauillac, the Lynch-Bages Estate owes part of its name to the ancient hamlet of Bages, which for centuries was home to generations of winemakers. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot are the grape varieties of Pauillac. Very soon I will visit Chateau Cordeillan Bages! Viticulture.

2001 Cullen Wines Diana Madeline Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot, Margaret River. 1995 Cullen Wines Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, Margaret River. 1998 Petaluma Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot. 2005 Howard Park Abercrombie Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Cabernet Franc, Great. Yes, it’s 249 bottles of wine on the wall! Valley.

Around 1850, faced with the inheritance laws of the Napoleonic code, Baron Pichon split his Pauillac estate among his five children: his three daughters got the larger share of the property but his two sons inherited the chateau itself and two-fifths of the vineyard. Rivalries and conflicts simmer throughout the world.

The 1981.yes, I said 1981 Pauillac Grand Vin de Chateau Latour - what a treat!  While the king, a Cab based wine (with 10% Merlot) was thoroughly enjoyed and drunk to the last drop.  I went away (within Israel) for the sabbath to a friend of the family.  Traditionally, this often includes cake , crackers , and fish."  Chateau Latour. 

The special occasion wine this week is a beautiful and approachable Bordeaux blend form the village and appellation of Pauillac. The Les Tourelles is a Merlot based blend with cabernet sauvignon making up 40% and cab franc rounding it off at 10%. Merlot based Bordeaux is a beautiful thing. This is a meal wine. Man, am I hungry.