La Bastide Dauzac, Margaux (Bordeaux, France) 2010

($39): When consumers consider Bordeaux, they rightly remember the names of the chateaux more than the names of the people behind them.  Well, the name André Lurton is worth remembering because the Lurton family has a spectacular track record of producing excellent wines from a variety of properties all over Bordeaux.  André Lurton’s daughter manages Château Dauzac, a classified Médoc from the commune of Margaux.  La Bastide Dauzac, the property’s second wine, is a great success in 2010 with a wonderful balance of herbal flavors and fresh red-fruit notes from the roughly 50/50 Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blend.  Moderate tannins give welcome support without being intrusive.  Enjoy it now with a steak while young and vibrant, or cellar it for a decade and savor the added complexity it will develop. 90 Michael Apstein Dec 10, 2013