Washington v. France

This match pits a Washington state Bordeaux style blend against an actual Bordeaux blend from France.

2006 OS Winery Red v. 2006 Chateau Lamery Le Defi de Lamery

Tale of the tape:
OS Winery Red - 36% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. Grapes sourced from the Columbia Valley AVA.  Purchased at Costco for $13.99.

Chateau Lamery - Difficult to find many details on this wine.  It is elusive, much like a French winner of the Tour de France in the past two decades (impossible to find).  The blend is Cabernet Sauvignon with Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec.  Percentages are not disclosed.  Purchased through Garagiste for $16.93.

Round 1.  First Opening:
OS Winery Red on first opening the nose has strong vegetal and olive notes along with currants. The palate is currant, cherry and cedar spice box with a spicy finish.

Chateau Lamery on first opening the nose is very light with subtle bing cherry and a bit of cola that develops into a light pomegranate, green tea and celery.

Round 1 goes to OS Winery Red

Round 2.  One hour after Opening:
OS Winery Red develops earth, peat, black cherry and cola. The palate shows similar character along with some cocoa, cinnamon and spice finishing with cedar spice box. 

Chateau Lamery more of the same primarily showing thin pomegranate and green tea.

Round 2 goes to OS Winery Red

Round 3. One day later
OS Winery Red continues to be big and round with similar characteristics to round 2.

Chateau Lamery has lightened up a bit and is still showing pomegranate and green & black tea characteristics.

Round 3 goes to OS Winery Red

Final tally: OS Winery Red 3, Chateau Lamery 0.  This was really no contest.  The Washington wine dominated the weaker entry from France.  I give OS Winery Red an 87 and the Chateau Lamery an 83.