If you're just jumping into reds and you want to try a Bordeaux, this is not the one, friends. I'm afraid with Bordeaux you almost have to go by price. This was unfortunately the first Bordeaux I ever tried and I wouldn't touch another one again for several years until I was talked into trying a Merlot dominated Right Bank Bordeaux (La Cloche de Cornemps), which was less earthy and more fruit forward... and I paid $30 for it too. But don't take my word for it. Taste, taste, and taste some more.