Château La Lègue Côtes de Duras

This could be the last we’ll see of the magical 2005 vintage in Bordeaux, and luckily we’ve found another gem. Hailing from Duras, just east of Bordeaux, this is a very aromatic wine with scents of warm, spicy blackberry and wintergreen. Smoothly tannic, this wine is very adaptable to a variety of foods — not just steak. Lamb chops on the grill with just a dash of salt and pepper would do nicely! And there’s no need to wait, as this one is ready to drink.

This wine comes from the perfect growing season of 2005. It’s an all-around soft wine — soft red fruits on the nose and palate, low acidity and a medium body combine to produce a tasty table wine. Let it sit for about 30 minutes after opening the bottle to allow its fruity character to open up.

Quite modern in the nose with its new oak and spiced berries. Plenty of black and blue fruit rounded out at the end with black cherries and prunes. Good density. A treat with veal and peppers, lamb chops, Beef Wellington, chicken and dumplings or a good wedge of hard cheese served with mixed nuts and dried, toasted whole wheat bread.