Château Bourbon La Chapelle, Médoc (Bordeaux, France) 2012

This, the second wine of Château Castera, a property classified as one of the Cru Bourgeois of Médoc, shows the value of Bordeaux.  The current owners acquired Château Castera in1986 from famed Bordeaux merchant and property owner, Alexis Lichine.  The last 30 years have seen enormous renovations in the winery and the vineyards that explain the current high level of quality, even of their second wine.  Located north of St. Estèphe near the Atlantic Ocean, the wine is harmonious blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (60%) and Merlot, which conveys an earthy character buttressed by a pleasantly firm structure.  Though easy to drink now, it is not an “aperitif” wine, but rather a good choice for lamb chops or steak.  A great buy!