Figuratively speaking, the military forces of France can be directly compared to many of their world-renowned wines. They are both well-structured, delicate and easy to make disappear.

Music of the Vine has discovered one of these famous wines that is worthy to be honored with a "Wine of the Week medal". It is the 2007 Lafite Reserve Speciale Bordeaux Rouge. This red Bordeaux wine is everything you would expect from French Bordeaux. As with any wine from the Domaines Barons de Rothschild family, it is well crafted, structured and refined. It is an ideal blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. It has a beautiful crimson color. The aromas are an intense assortment of very ripe fruit with raspberry and blackcurrant dominant but a layer of black licorice for accent. Medium-bodied and delicate with silky tannins, the flavor profile features an elegant blend of black currants and sweet plums with noticeable caramel, bay leaf, vanilla, coconut, licorice and a hint of tobacco. The finish is adequately long with a wonderful black licorice aftertaste. The adjectives are all similar: quality, elegant, silky, smooth, subtle and fresh. While these adjectives are all great descriptors of this wine, be advised that we decanted it for about an hour before enjoying it. This was a good idea because it just got better and better with more air contact. If we were in a fox-hole and bullets were flying, this is definitely one wine we would be glad to make disappear. Music of the Vine encourages responsible enjoyment of wine and please never drink and drive. Cheers!

Join us Saturday at 7:30 p.m. for the "Wine Version" of Monopoly "Wineopoly." No charge to play. Just come, eat, drink some win and have fun playing this famous game. Prizes for best costume (costumes optional) and overall game winner. Reserve a place, call 454-1228.

- Music of the Vine is located at 2805 Blaine St. (in the Willows complex across from Dennis Dillon). Call 454-1228 or visit from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday, 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and noon-11 p.m. Saturday. Closed Sunday. Online: www.musicofthevine.com. Any wine tips, reviews, etc. that you would like to share? E-mail 3g@idahopress.com.