2 | Wine | Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux, $10 to $20

"Showing a little more tannic than it was prior to bottling, this blend of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc is one of the consistently well-made over-achievers in Bordeaux. There are some nice underbrush and loamy soil notes intermixed with red and black cherries as well as currants in this medium-bodied, elegant wine, but it still has some tannins to resolve."-Robert Parker

"Another sleeper of the vintage, the opaque ruby/purple-tinged 2009 l’Estang exhibits lots of sweet black currant and black cherry fruit intermixed with a hint of vanillin. Medium to full-bodied, with surprisingly pure, concentrated, lengthy flavors, it should drink well for 5-6 years."-Robert Parker

"Its dense purple color is followed by notes of blueberries, charcoal, camphor, incense and toasty oak. Rich, medium to full-bodied, pure and well-balanced, it should drink well for 7-8 years." -Robert Parker

"One of the least expensive wines from Gerard Perse’s three Cotes de Castillon estates, this is unquestionably the softest and most immediately accessible. Its dark ruby color is followed by a concoction of ripe, sweet black currant and cherry fruit, incense, spring flowers, and spice."-Robert Parker