Château Courtin Château Courtin

Now a lightish to medium ruby, but the crimson tinge is still there. Straightforward plummy nose shows most impressive ripeness for a generic Bordeaux and regional savoury character. Good density in the mouth with an attractive natural sweetness, though it is admittedly simple fruit and short. Closer to good plus than good.

Purchased on special at €4.99 from one of the Vynoteka branches in Rīga, as a cooking wine. Marketed by Maison Raymond, which is both a producer and negociant, this is a deepish ruby colour, still showing some crimson in its core. Ripe and plummy merlot nose is typically simple generic Bordeaux, but it has a slightly pungent floral-citrus lift. Medium body, with generous fruit which is crunchy, properly savoury and with no artifice evident. Honest and good.