Château Beauséjour (Montagne-St. Émilion) Montagne-St. Émilion La Petite Robe Poivrée

Opened one hour in advance. Clean aromas of cassis and cloves. Subtle flavors of leather, dry red fruit. Spice in the finish. This is lovely, understated Bordeaux. It doesn't wow at first, but it maintains interest and keeps evolving with each sip. Classic and delicious. I should add that one of many retro characteristics of this wine is the label, which looks like it just arrived in a time machine from the 60's. Except for the fact that she was …

Reasonable, if showing a bit more age than expected. Typical Bordeaux use of oak (it's there!) and lots of dark, ripe fruit. Good spices and nice tannins. Good minerality. This is a solid, straightforward wine that paired well with steaks. Nothing special but nothing wrong either.