What can you say about most $10 Bordeaux? In past years about the best I could muster was "drinkable without holding your nose" The 2000 vintage has produced such good wines that even this obscure gem (you have heard of 1st and 2nd Growth Bordeaux - this may be a 24th Growth) received brief praise from none other than Robert Parker...

Roland La Garde Cuvee 2000 Cotes de Blaye, Bordeaux, France $10
What the Wine Critics thought: Wine Advocate 87 points
A well made Grand Vin Bordeaux blend of Merlot and Cabernet from a lesser appellation that represents an excellent value in a great vintage.
What we thought: Actually not too bad... This wine has all the austere trademarks of a young Bordeaux with good structure, plenty of cedar on the nose and an unchacteristic smoothness that made it pair up with beef stew very well. Like most Bordeaux this is strictly food wine and actually a pretty descent one. It may improve in the cellar short term as well.
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December 11, 2002