I’ve been paying attention to Eric Asimov’s new monthly “Wine School” column, the first article of which recommends the reader start with 2009 Bordeaux (a fabulous vintage throughout); specifically, the Haut-Mėdoc region at the mouth of the Gironde river – a relatively broader and more affordable sub-appellation.

Now, let it be known, I don’t really need a newspaper article so much as a whim to make me drink Bordeaux, so I was more than happy to be obliged to do so in the name of wine appreciation and research.

I didn’t have access to the 3 producers Asimov named, but I did manage to procure a Château d’Aurilhac, and boy, what a find – not only delivering the fruits of the vintage, but easily over-delivering on the expected quality of Haut-Mėdoc.

Here we have a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and a splash of Petit Verdot. Together they form a deep crimson, bloody-textured wine with dollops of black cherry fruit, blackcurrants, tar and earth. The texture is a little cough syrupy, deliciously fruity with a bitter aftertaste.

Pretty intense, balanced, integrated and complex for a relatively young wine, this is a solid buy that is so drinkable, it’s tough to resist now, but will keep and improve in bottle for the medium term. Likely excellent with the classic Bordelais pairing of lamb, but I’m enjoying this tonight simply on its own. C’est si bon, il faut que j’aille en acheter de plus, tout de suite. $24 at LCBO Vintages.