2005 Bordeaux

Battle of the 2005’s!

It’s been a while since we talked about this vintage, but when it comes to Bordeaux that’s starting to show us what it’s really made of, we think 2005 is in a sweet spot.

Don’t get us wrong, this vintage has all the right qualities to be built for the long haul. It will end up rivaling the greats like 2000, 1986 and 1982, but right now you can get them at a price significantly lower than those other big hitters – so why wouldn’t you?

As a team, GRW has had the pleasure of tasting bottles from top producers, both Left and Right Bank. We have yet to have a bottle that wasn’t absolutely lights out.

Today we have some OWC’s available from this hailed vintage for less than $500/bottle!

NOT TO BE MISSED –

• 2005 Larcis Ducasse – A Right Bank hidden gem! Parker said, “this beauty is not to be missed!” and with only 3,000 cases produced, we are thrilled to have some to offer to you. This is arguably the greatest wine made at the Estate since 1945 and the fact that you can get 17-year-old Bordeaux for this price is mind boggling.
• 2005 Troplong Mondot – Located at the highest point in Saint Emilion, Troplong Mondot should be on your radar if it isn’t already. Full bodied, multi-layered and spectacularly pure and rich – This is a tour de force in winemaking and one that the late Christine Valette should be extremely proud of.

• 2005 Pontet Canet – Nestled in Pauillac, Pontet’s 78 hectares of vineyards adjoin those of none other than Mouton Rothschild. (Not bad company to keep!) It's a big & powerful 2005 with flawlessly integrated tannins, remarkable concentration, and a finish that won't quit.

• 2005 L'Evangile – A double 100-point slice of Pomerol perfection. With endorsements like “always a perfect wine” and “last for minutes”, how can you even consider saying no? Also – they are just a stone’s throw from La Conseillante, Petrus and Cheval Blanc! These wines are opulent and robust and should continue to age gracefully for several decades.

• 2005 Palmer – This is one to watch out for, as we anticipate the score on this wine going up in the coming years. With more power and weight than its neighbor Margaux and at a fraction of the price, this is a no brainer. The property consists of 18 different gravel, clay and sand soil types that can be further subdivided into 106 parcels. This complex mosaic of terroirs and soils is what helps create the magic of Chateau Palmer.

2005 Larcis Ducasse

With an unbelievable nose of licorice, tapenade, black cherry and blackcurrant liqueur, as well as full body, super-sweet tannin, and astonishing richness and length, this prodigious effort in 2005 announced the resurrection of this great terroir on the slopes near Château Pavie. Dark garnet/plum/purple, this is compelling stuff and drinkable already, but capable of lasting another 25-30 years. This beauty is not to be missed!

100 Pts Robert Parker 

2005 Troplong Mondot

The 2005 Troplong Mondot is a blend of 90% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc. It was emotional tasting this wine, thinking of the late Christine Valette, who made this compelling wine while battling with considerable courage against an insidious disease. It is a great effort and a superstar of the vintage. Dense purple, it offers notes of white chocolate, blackberry, cassis and licorice as well as a hint of truffle and some subtle background oak. Full-bodied, multi-layered, and spectacularly pure and rich, it is a tour de force, and a great tribute to an incredible woman. Kudos to the late Christine Valette!

100 Pts Robert Parker 

2005 L'Evangile

Dark in color, almost purple black, with pure tapenade and hints of ripe plum and berry. Full-bodied, with layer upon layer of velvety tannins and chocolate, berry, vanilla and tea flavors. Lasts for minutes. I am blown away by this wine. This has been amazing since the moment I tasted it from barrel. Reminds me of the superb 1950. 

100 Pts Wine Spectator