2006 Chateau Arnauld Haut Médoc— A Fabulous Cabernet Value

The last time we had the 2006 Arnauld, Haut-Médoc in stock, I bought a case. I am thrilled that the wine is back in because we have been going through this outstanding Left Bank value a little bit too fast at home. On Tuesday night, I opened up a bottle to have with my tri-tip sandwich, as Cinnamon was gone at her French class, and I wanted to make sure that it was still showing well before going in for case number two. I am happy to say that it was even better than the last one that I opened, and I will be leaving with case number two tonight!

Chateau Arnauld sits just west of the Grand Poujeaux, and back in 2006, it was owned by Chateau Poujeaux. They are a very small property by Bordeaux Chateau standards at just twelve acres and produce just 17,000 bottles per year. They are on old gravel, and the site has been producing for 1000 years. They are now owned by the Allianz Group of Larose-Trintaudon fame. The vineyard is planted to 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 43% Merlot, and the average vine age is quite old at 40 years.

At thirteen years old, this classy, medium-bodied Haut-Médoc is drinking perfectly. It still has nice, lively, black currant fruit, but the tannins are completely resolved, and the texture fully developed. This subtle, intricate wine has much more complexity and interest than I would expect given the cost, and I am used to Clyde finding great deals. This wine is the exact opposite of the modern, high alcohol, inky, thick style that one finds in the new world and from time to time in Bordeaux. I love the wine as much for its grace notes, which allow it to play so well with food, as I do for its surprising length and silky mouthfeel.

If you are looking for some great red wine to have with your dinners over the next few years, I suggest that you join me in casing up on this great find!

-A toast to you!

Gary Westby