INSIDER'S PICK: 2012 CHATEAU DE PARENCHERE BORDEAUX SUPERIEUR $16.99

The estimated damages to the wine crops were recently announced from the frost and freeze issues that plagued France and much of Europe in March/April. Bordeaux alone is expected to loose more than $2B in either diminished or outright lost vineyard production, which may only be slightly mitigated if whatever surviving grapes end up producing great quality. If it's a cool difficult summer, the vintage could be a complete disaster. Also the damage done this year can have a profound effect on the way the flowering happens next year, so the potential is there for two straight years of significantly reduced quantity coming from Bordeaux. For fans of the region there are a couple of silver linings to this significantly dark gray cloud: 1) the hype cycle of proclaiming 'The Vintage Of The Century!' every 3 or 4 years will be on hiatus, and 2) it makes this a good time to backfill with some more ready to drink wines from some overlooked vintages.

This Chateau sits to the East of Bordeaux, which is primarily Merlot and/or Cabernet Franc growing country, but their estate has a substantial planting of Cabernet Sauvignon and its presence is immediately noticed in the wine. Dark cassis and gravely red fruits come out on the nose and develops an almost meaty nose as it opens up. The palate is equally dark and rich, yet surprisingly supple without a strong tannic feel except on the lingering finish. The flavors are far from showing any evolved character, but the texture is starting to show an easier, more approachable stage. Wines like this stashed in the cellar will make the potential two year supply lull from Bordeaux that much easier to overcome.

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