March 2025 2 Reds

Chateau Lanessan Haut-Médoc, 2015

The birth of Chateau Lanessan dates all the way back to 1793, eight generations later, Chateau Lanessan remains in the hands of the Bouteiller family, which are direct descendants of the founder. This is quite a feat for a Chateau located in the Medoc, as most vineyards have changed hands several times. 

This wine is a blend of all varietals grown on the estate, with 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc. Pretty juicy red and black fruits on the nose including raspberry, plums, and blackberry. On the palate, a light oak, some sweet spice, vanilla, cream, and textured tannins travel with the fruit. It is very drinkable now, but will keep for 10+ years.

Lanessan is committed to a virtuous environmental process that will enable it to obtain the HVE3 label (High Environmental Value level 3), as well as the ISO 14001 level. Mechanically harvested when the fruit is optimally ripe, it is sorted with optical screening equipment. The wine is then fermented in coated concrete tanks equipped with temperature control. The winemaking techniques, pumping over, rack and return are used according to the needs of the vintage and the fruit. 

Bordeaux blends are a generalist food wine, so they pair with a wide variety of foods. Generally excellent with steakhouse-style dinner of grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and a variety of cheeses. If you’re feeling more casual, perfect for a burger or a hearty stew. 

Product Reviews: 

James Suckling, 93 points

“Currant, lead pencil and fresh rose-petal aromas follow through to a full body, round and nicely chewy tannins and a long finish. Balanced and polished.”

Force & Grace Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles, 2021

Force & Grace is a portfolio of wines founded by vintner Joseph Carr who, after creating Josh Cellars, continued following his passion for making the finest wines to exacting standards. Carr was a state-champion wrestler in high school and a student of modern dance in college. Force and Grace represents his love for those seemingly opposing pursuits and the analogy to making the finest wines, where the “force” of ripe fruit is balanced by the “grace” of bright acidity.

To create something truly remarkable, he partnered with critically acclaimed winemaker, Jean Hoefliger, who honed his skills at world-renowned wineries Château Lynch-Bages and Alpha Omega, among others. Jean’s winemaking philosophy is to make wines which showcase the best appellations within Napa Valley, where fruit is picked at precisely the right moment to spotlight the balance between lush ripeness and clean acidity. 

This Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon is dense yet delicately textured. In the glass, it offers concentrated ripe black cherry, raspberry fruit leather, cassis, and velvety tannins that complement the rich fruit beautifully. The finish is persistent yet wonderfully harmonious, with layers of berries, caramel, and notes of lingering blonde tobacco.

This wine contains fruit from four distinct eastern appellations of Paso Robles, each featuring a diverse range of ocean influence, rainfall, elevation, exposures, and soils. Vineyards in the more northern regions provide lighter, fruitier styles, while vineyards in the south yield wines with more color and structure, allowing us to build layers of flavor and texture throughout the blend. The fruit gets picked at night, and is sorted at the winery to keep on the best berries. It is then aged for 18 months in 40% new French oak, helping to harmonize the fruit and tannins and lend a softer, sweeter mouthfeel.

This richly textured Cabernet Sauvignon pairs beautifully with robust, tomato-based sauces and risottos.

Product Ratings:

Decanter, 93 points