Château Coufran, Haut-Médoc (Bordeaux, France) 2010

Château Coufran, though not included in the rarefied Médoc Classification of 1855, consistently makes splendid wines and sells them at reasonable prices.  Their lush, approachable wines are a good place to start for those interested in learning about Bordeaux.  For us Bordeaux lovers, seeing Château Coufran on a wine list is a welcome sight.  Château Coufran’s focus on Merlot, more than 75 percent of the blend, is unusual for the Médoc and helps explain its popularity.  Though plush, the 2010 Coufran has plenty of structure and enlivening freshness.  Drink over the next couple of years with a steak or cellar it for a decade.  From my experience with Coufran, they wines from top vintages, such as 2010, develop marvelously.