Dourthe Barrel Select, Saint-Emillon AC 2005

Source: NTUC Thompson Plaza
Price: $29.90 (usual price $40)
Closure: Cork

E-Hern:
Rating: 84-86
Value: ***

Stumbled across this wine one afternoon and was immediately intrigued after my more than pleasant experience with Dourthe No. 1 Rouge recently. This one is a barrel select from a more focused appellation of Saint-Emillon compared to the generic Bordeaux appellation of the Dourthe No. 1. From the label, this wine is a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, aged for one year in new French oak. Though at this price, I think it's likely that not all the oak used was new. One other thing, this wine is imported and distributed by Interstates Market Pte Ltd in Singapore (from a little sticker on the back) and from my experience, Interstates really does bring in value-for-money and interesting wines. Case in point being the Ashbrook range from Margaret River.

Savoury oak hits me on the nose on first impressions. Youthful and perfectly ripe aromas without a hint of greenness. Nose isn't terribly bold but has a good dose of blackcurrants amidst slightly toasted, vanilla oak. Medium bodied on the palate and a noticeable salty taste lingering on the finish. Palate seems rather elegant and somehow the fruit seems to be hidden beneath quite a bit of drying tannin. Will leave it for a bit in the glass and see if it fleshes out. But for now, this wine isn't particularly attractive especially for lovers of fruit-driven wines.