Safeway St-Emilion (Bordeaux) 2000
Tesco’s own-label St-Emilion did rather well in a Wine magazine blind tasting recently, which was partly the inspiration for trying this, Safeway’s version. 2000 is a cracking year in Bordeaux, so this wine, bottled by the large negociant firm of Calvet, had no excuses if not good. In fact, it is a little beauty given its moderate price tag. The colour is deep, thick purple/black, and the nose is a classic blend of custardy oak, tobacco and plum and cassis fruit. There’s a sense of chocolaty depth and damsony richness. On the palate it is quite thickly-textured with plenty of smooth, velvety black fruit character and moderate tannins adding some grip. Acidity is well-judged, with plenty of freshness, but an overall impression of smoothness and svelte, chewy depth. The fruit stays nice and focused into a decent length of finish. A most impressive generic St-Emilion without a doubt, it will cellar for 3 – 5 years and represents a bit of a bargain for a touch of class. Safeway 7.99