Atypical Bordeaux Appellation

After bawling like a baby for two hours watching March of the Penguins, I needed a drink; but just a little one.  So I decided to open up a demi - a 375ml bottle of Bordeaux that had been rolling around my wine cabinet for several months.  It was from an appellation that I was unfamiliar with:  Côtes de Castillon (visit this website - one of the producers must have a very Web savvy son/daughter - because it's entertaining and fun).

Without knowing anything about the apellation or this particular Chateau (Chateau d'Aiguilhe) I popped the cork, poured half a glass, and let it breathe for about 20 minutes.

After the first whiff, I was thoroughly confused.  This didn't smell like Bordeaux.  It seemed meatier and gamier.  My interest was indeed piqued...

I did a little research and discovered the following about Côtes de Castillon AOC:

• The average Chateau is planted to Merlot (70%), Cabernet Franc (20%), and Cabernet Sauvignon (10%)
• It lies about 45km to the east of Bordeaux (the city)
• The AOC has only been around since 1989.  Before that it was designated Bordeaux Superieur Côtes de Castillon (and before this the wines were marked as "near Saint Emilion")
• The climate is slightly warmer and drier than most of Bordeaux
• Go to this Appellation in the summer time and watch a re-enactment of the 100 years war (including 500 actors and 50 horsemen!)

Now the skinny on Chateau d'Aiguilhe...

The Skinny
Chateau d'Aiguilhe Côtes de Castillon AOC, '01 (~$12 for 375ml)

• Apparently the wine is 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc (it's a C. Sauvignon-free Bordeaux)
• Deep, murky indigo in color.  The wine is nearly opaque with a brick red rim
• The initial scents are decidedly earthy and smoky.  This is followed by scents of cedar, pepper, and.  In some odd way, I was reminded of a Pinotage(?)
• Ch. d'Aiguilhe felt deceptively light in the mouth - especially considering it rings in at 14% alcohol.  Flavors of cigar and fruit are backed by sturdy tannins.  It is ever-so-slightly vegetal on the finish

***.5 (3.5 stars out of 5)

This is much earthier and funkier than most Bordeaux.  Yet it's well balanced, which means it's a fine partner to food.  This wine gave me a hankering for a hunk of salty cheese or some roasted meat.