Chateau du Grand Bos Graves Rouge 2010

In short, this is red Bordeaux from a fantastic vintage, with 12 years of age. It's a no-brainer for those of you who love aged reds.

2010 Grand Bos Graves Rouge leads with notes of spiced plums, toasted nutmeg and tobacco leaf. Cabernet Sauvignon, which comprises 47% of the blend, gives off graphite and chopped mint. Merlot, at 45%, is where that spiced plum comes from, as well as notes of fresh Guatemala coffee and freshly-rained-on gravel (Graves is literally named for the gravel soil of the appellation). This wine finishes dry and full, with big tannins that have just begun to get velvety after 12 years of combined barrel and bottle age.

If you're a high-end Bordeaux collector, this is a great daily drinker. If you normally drink Washington or California Cab, this wine has the oomph and richness to stand up to those big new world styles. If you like wines of substantial-yet-balanced acidity, tannin and weight, this wine works wonders.

Stock your cellar with this! Bring this to your holiday dinners. This is a PERFECT Prime Rib wine, because while it's a big wine, it's not an out-of-control wine. It's got the tang and the acidity and the tannins to stand up to rich cuisine, but enough tension to invite you in for another glass and not tire out your palate. I think this may be the most crowd-pleasing wine we've ever offered at Crunchy Red Fruit. I know I can be opinionated and strident from time to time (and so can our wines) but I believe this is a wine that everyone can really enjoy.

Food Pairings: prime rib, steak au poîvre, grilled zucchini, meat-lover's pizza, firepit conversations, arguing (in a civil manner) with your family

Music Pairings: "Cherub Rock" by Smashing Pumpkins