Barons de Rothschild Reserve Speciale 2009

Chateau Lafite's nod in the direction of the financially challenged, this red Bordeaux is 70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. As a result it needs to breathe for a good hour at least, else it will have an unpleasantly bitter aftertaste. If you open it in good time, it will reward you with a nicely judged, somewhat austere combination of cherry and soft tannins. $13.99, three dollars less in N.J.