Les vins de Moueix sont Mieux

The first decade of the millennium has been kind to Bordeaux with Robert Parker's Wine Advocate characterizing much of the 2000, 2005, and 2009 vintages as being outstanding for the higher end vineyards  But with great hype from influential critics comes greatly exaggerated prices; and with exaggerated prices comes the snobbery of some oenophiles and their hangers on crowding out those who may be genuinely interested in the wines of Bordeaux yet do not have the deep pockets to saunter to the table to appreciate them.

It does not have to be so.

Christian Moueix, scion of the the French wine establishment and Decanter's 2008 Man of the Year, has marketed for a number of years wines that are characteristic of the Établissements Jean-Pierre Moueix estates in Saint-Émilion and Pomerol but at a price point not requiring one to dip into a home equity line of credit to enjoy, as one would have to if a case of Chateau Pétrus 2003 was on order (costing $4229/bottle in Ontario).
Moueix's value wines are this week's Wine Wednesday (#WW #WineWednesday) recommendations courtesy of your friends at SukasaStyle: Les vins de Moueix sont Mieux (Moueix's wines are better).

CHRISTIAN MOUEIX MERLOT (V)   $15.95 | VINTAGES 961227 | 750 mL bottle

Made in: Bordeaux, France

By: Jean Pierre Moueix

Release Date: Apr 18, 2013

Wine, Red Wine

13.0% Alcohol/Vol.

Style: Medium-bodied & Fruity

Varietal: Merlot

Sugar Content: 5 g/L

Sweetness Descriptor: XD - Extra Dry

LCBO Description / Tasting Note
Christian Moueix, the man behind legendary wines Chateau Pétrus and Dominus, also makes smashing wines at appealing prices like this fragrant Merlot with its plum and black cherry flavours. A Bordeaux for everyday meals such as beef stew, pepperoni pizza or grilled pepper steak.

SukasaStyle Notes:

With a ruby colour, and fruity nose one needs to drink this dry red, along with other Moueix entries, with food given its acidity. On the palate, there are tannins with a comfortable mouthfeel leading to a finish that is simple and satisfying. Try pairing with pizza or risotto and serve at 16-17 ^oC

Sukasa Stars: 4.35 / 5

Quality Price Ratio: Good

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CHRISTIAN MOUEIX SAINT-ÉMILION 2009  $20.95 | VINTAGES 979955 | 750 mL bottle

Made in: Bordeaux, France

By: Jean Pierre Moueix

Release Date: Oct 12, 2013

Wine, Red Wine

13.0% Alcohol/Vol.

Style: Full-bodied & Smooth

Varietal: Bordeaux Red

Sugar Content: 5 g/L

Sweetness Descriptor: XD - Extra Dry

LCBO Description / Tasting Note

Musky, sultry nose on this Bordelaise staple by Christian Moueix. The palate is peppery, sweaty, floral and vibrant. Quite appealing for the price point. Medium to full bodied with balanced alcohol, generous fruit and integrated tannins. The finish delivers some curious soapy, salty notes along with wood spice. Tasted August 2012. Score - 89. (Sara d'Amato, winealign.com, Sept. 15, 2012)

SukasaStyle Notes:

Red and purple hue and a nose that is more floral than expected. The reason this wine is favoured by your scribe yet may not be by many tasters is the mineral nature of the body --one gets the sense of the terroir drinking this-- and the taste was smooth yet balanced with tannins and a medoum-long finish. There was the sense that this was a much more expensive wine that deserved to be opened after 6-7 years in the cellar to bring out its full character.

Sukasa Stars: 4.55 / 5

Quality Price Ratio: Very Good-Excellent

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CHRISTIAN MOUEIX POMEROL 2009   $29.95 | VINTAGES 903013 | 750 mL bottle

Made in: Bordeaux, France

By: Jean Pierre Moueix

Release Date: Jun 22, 2013

Wine, Red Wine

12.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Style: Medium-bodied & Fruity

Varietal: Bordeaux Red

Sugar Content: 5 g/L

Sweetness Descriptor: XD - Extra Dry

LCBO Description / Tasting Note

A Merlot-dominated 'house wine' from right-bank specialists JP Moueix. ...So, so, so much better than most basic Bordeaux. Brilliantly flattering fruit spreads right across the palate. I honestly find it quite hard to believe this is as cheap as it is. Maybe it won't go anywhere much but it is VVGV (Very, Very Good Value). Drink: 2012-2015. Score - 16.5 (out of 20). (Jancis Robinson, MW, jancisrobinson.com, Oct. 16, 2012)

SukasaStyle Notes:

Arguably the most fruit forward of the Moueix entries, it can be enjoyed by itself but comes out well when paired with steak. Spicy and woody on the nose coupled with fleshy tannins make this an appealing wine. Serve at 16-17 ^oC or cellar for another 5 years and you will be rewarded.

Sukasa Stars: 4.5 / 5

Quality Price Ratio: Very Good