Happy Cellar Saturday! It's the first Saturday of a new month, which means it's time to open a bottle of something that's been at least a decade in the making. Tonight I've opened a bottle that's only been in my cellar for a month or so, as I purchased this bottle at a wine store in Hillsdale, Michigan on a recent steam train excursion. The 2015 Château Aney Haut-Medoc does not list a specific blend, but given the requirements of this appellation on the left bank of the Gironde, I would guess this is weighted toward Cabernet Sauvignon, along with some Merlot, Petit Verdot, and perhaps a bit of Malbec. Let's see how this wine is tasting.
The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, with nice clarity, a testament to this classic Bordeaux blend. A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of leather, ripe blackberry, and hints of lilac, a very refined and rich bouquet. The first sip is just classis Bordeaux, with a rush of blackberry, currant and fig that eases into the classic Bordeaux funk, earthy peat and white pepper spice midpalate. The finish is supported by soft tannins, providing the classic smooth dry finish that doesn't linger, but makes itself hardly noticeable.
Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a solid examples of one of my favorite Bordeaux wines. This wine would pair well with a range of dishes, from hearty pasta to braised short ribs, grilled lamb to classic steak. Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a grilled ribeye along with some grilled portabella mushrooms and linguine tossed with sautéed garlic scapes and broccoli rabe and topped with parmesan. Cheers!
