Château Surain, Bordeaux (France) 2019

 With its 15 percent-stated alcohol, this deeply colored and broad-based, bold Bordeaux emphasizes ripe and lush fruitiness, yet has sufficient balancing herbal character.  Good acidity keeps it fresh and a pleasant hint of bitterness in the finish adds to its character.  It’s a good one for current drinking with grilled flank or skirt steak, and reminds us that all Bordeaux need not reside in the cellar for a decade or be available to only the “one-percenters.”  It’s a great bargain for this summer’s grilling season.