2009 Thieuley Rouge

Two well-made generic Bordeaux are consistently fashioned by Thieuley. Readers who do not want any wood should buy the regular cuvee, but if you like a little oak, the Francis Courselle should be your choice. Both wines possess generous fruit, and lots of black cherry and black currant notes intermixed with herbs and spice. The Francis Courselle cuts a slightly bigger, oakier, more modern image on the palate, but both wines are well-made and reasonably priced. (Tasted once.)