The region needs no introduction, but looking to get my feet wet with Left Bank Bordeaux, I started off with this $35 bottle of Pauillac - considering I knew prices could get ridiculous very quickly for the area! Consists of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot/Malbec. Stored at 55°, decanted for an hour prior to pouring the first glass - paired with a rosemary grilled steak and salad.

Visually, a deep ruby color, bordering on purple.

On the nose, I pick up herbs, smoke, tobacco near the rim. Deeper in, plenty of blackberry and cherry, dark fruit a-plenty. (As an American I still have not had cassis, so I will not use it as a descriptor until I do LOL) The memory of walking through a dense forest after a light rain - wood, dirt.

On the palate, nicely balanced at eight years old - a decent bit of tannic grip still (now on glass #2 and almost two hours decanting), medium bodied with no hint of sweetness, a notable ting of acidity going down and just the faintest tickle of burn (13%). Paired really well with the steak! Flavors were primarily those same black fruits on the nose - ripe blackberries, blueberries. I could swear to you I'm picking up additional earthy notes on the way down, too - wet rocks, wet dirt. I garden, so I recognize these! Delightful finish, too.

Very, very satisfied for what I'm getting at this price point. Ready to dive a little deeper into left bank. Recommended, if you can find it at that $30-$35 range! I may finish half the bottle by the time I finish writing this!