This French red – from Bordeaux, even – offers tradition and a fair price
Let’s get the aggravating bits about this French red out of the way:
First , the producer makes two reds – a blend and this wine, a varietal cabernet. So knowing which one to buy can be confusing. Second, availability can be spotty, even though it’s a well-known producer and a decent-sized importer. Third, prices are all over the place, as much as $20.
So why is it a wine of the week? Because the Freynelle cabernet ($13, purchased, 13.5%) is worth the aggravation – not just a Hall of Fame wine, but worthy of Cheap Wine of the Year consideration for 2023. And how often do we find that quality in red Bordeaux at a fair price these days?
In other words, stunning wine. The Freynelle is rich but not heavy and there’s just enough fruit and it isn’t too ripe. The fruit, in fact, comes damn close to Bordeaux’s legendary black currants. The wine is also savory, with proper tannins, and it’s oh so balanced.
Could it use a little merlot to soften it? Maybe. But who’s complaining?
Imported by Aquitane Wine