The Les Hauts de Lagarde Rouge 2014 is a certified Organic blend of 65% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Cabernet Franc grown and produced at the Vignobles Raymond (Vineyards of Raymond)Estate near the town of Saint Laurent du Bois, in the Entre-Deux-Mers region of Bordeaux, France. The Estate is family owned and was founded in 1850. The Entre-Deux-Mers region was, not too long ago, a predominately a White grape growing region, but today grows mostly Red grapes. The White wines produced here still hold a better reputation than the Red wines, but the Red wines are improving in quality. Indigenous yeasts are used in the fermentation of this Rouge, that means only the naturally occurring yeasts on the skin of the grapes and in the air are used to induce fermentation. The alcohol content is 12.5%, they do not use eggs in the fining process (filtering), so this Bordeaux is Vegan-friendly.
The color is a dark, barely see-thru black cherry red with a strawberry halo. The nose is bright fresh berries, blackberry, strawberry vinaigrette, menthol and cherry. This Rouge is on the light side of medium bodied, with ripe fruit flavors and solid structure. It tastes of blackberry, tobacco, raspberry, and plum. The mid-palate shows black pepper, a little spice, and a salty, nutty edge. The tannins are there, they do not bite, but they make their presence known. The acidity is well-balanced by the body of the wine. The finish is subtle but does linger.
The Les Hauts de Lagarde Rouge 2014 is a solid Organic, Vegan-Friendly, well-priced (around $12) Bordeaux Red blend. It was not that long ago that wines in this price range from places like France or Italy and shipped to the US were produced in a style they thought American wine drinkers preferred. That meant fruit forward, slightly sweet and no tannins. But not here, the Les Hauts de Lagarde Rouge 2014 is very French, very Bordeaux. I happy that they finally think that American consumers can handle a proper everyday Bordeaux.
