Calvet (France) Reserve Organic Bordeaux 2002
Calvet is a very large French negociant firm, making and selling wines from all across France, but perhaps most associated with ‘reliable’ Bordeaux – good value, but perhaps rather unexciting. Now under the winemaking leadership of young Spanish winemaker Paz Espejo, Calvet seems to be undergoing something of a quality hike, including this new wine from certified organic vineyards. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon is selected from low-yeilding vineyards, and the wine spends six months in oak. The colour is a very pretty cherry-edged ruby, and the nose has sweet, forward fruit scents of raspberry and red berries with a classic Bordeaux notes of cedarwood and earth. On the palate it is light- to medium-bodied, with more red berry flavours and a warming core of tobacco and smoky oak. The tannins are crisply defined and acidity is mouthwatering in the finish. Not profound by any means, but a well-balanced and poised organic wine. Sainsbury’s £6.99
