It is like sharing laughs with an old friend that you haven’t seen for a very long time.

Lately, I’ve fallen for the wines of the Rhone Valley. The Syrah and Grenache grapes grown in the rock soils of sunny-southeastern France have been a romantic escape, a fling if you will.

Then there is Bordeaux.

My first love, no matter how long I stray from uncorking a bottle, always recaptures my palate with its distinct flavors.

That is why you can consider this column an open letter to my Valentine.

You discovered France with me, the depth, brilliance and complexity of Bordeaux.

Just like you, the 2003 Chateau Vrai Canon Bouche is wonderful, beautiful and completely up front.

It bursts out of the bottle with rich scents of violets and rose perfume. And, also just like you, there is a deep flavor waiting to be discovered. Such a flavor is not content with living in its current state of captivity.

What sets Bordeaux apart is almost impossible to put into words. It’s like being in love; you just know, but might not be able to describe why.

With the Chateau Vrai Canon Bouche, take notice of the deep purple and rich ruby coloring before your first taste.

Powerful blueberries swagger through your mouth upon the first sip. There is a full flavor, a slight earthiness and spice, but you get a feeling the wine is wandering around searching for more flavors. With more time in the bottle, it could blossom into a real keeper from this vintage.

Valentine, this wine is just like you; currently unfulfilled and in need of chaos and risk to find order.

It wants more time in the bottle; it’s unafraid of losing its structure. With time, the wine just might flourish, develop and explode into a great addition to a personal wine collection.

The wine hits you and relaxes you, finish half a bottle and you’ll feel like you’ve been put at ease by yachting on Lake Michigan all day.

Bordeaux uses Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet France grapes that are widely grown in California.

However, to taste Bordeaux is to savor how the grape should be manipulated once picked. California Merlot often comes across as sweet, oaky and full of tannins. California Cabs (with Opus One, Stag’s Leap, and Silver Oak the exception about $100 a bottle) are often lacking the sensual luster to invigorate your taste buds.

Bordeaux always seems distinct, unique, and on an adventure to entice your palate. I enjoyed it with water crackers and a log of herb infused goat cheese. A perfect candle-light dinner companion would be lamb chops, rosemary potatoes and a side of asparagus.

And my long lost valentine; as Dave Matthews sang in “The Stone,” I was just wondering if you’d come along, tell me you will.