Believe the Hype!
2005 Bordeaux will become Wines of Legend
by Cynthia A. Murray Vice-President Marketing, Bottle Shop of Spring Lake
As I was finishing up this article, lo and behold, the new issue of Wine Spectator arrived on my doorstep. The cover reads, in all of its glory: 2005 BORDEAUX RATED 99 POINTS. The Spectator is calling 2005 “A vintage that ranks among the greatest since the legendary 1961….”
When a truly stunning vintage comes along in the wine world, there is nothing more exciting. Especially when it’s Bordeaux! Bordeaux wines are already the most collectible wines in the world, and when a vintage such as 2005 is being highly touted, there is even more excitement and anticipation. It is being heralded as the best vintage since 1982 (or since 1961), and the wines have the scores and the hype to prove it. So, what happened in 2005? The weather was perfect for growing healthy, ripe grapes that still maintained their acidity. The skins, which provide most of the tannin for the wines, were velvety yet sturdy with little to no bruising. Fine winemakers rejoiced! In a vintage such as 2005, it was nearly impossible to make anything but a great wine. Let nature be the boss…
In Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot rule the vineyards, with smaller amounts of Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petite Verdot planted. The Gironde River winds through the region, dividing the area into the Left Bank and the Right Bank. The red wines on the Left Bank, which are mostly Cab, tend to be rich and concentrated with great balance and purity. Famous towns, such as Margaux, Pauillac and Saint Julien, are home to incredible estates such as Palmer, Lafite and Ducru Beaucaillou, respectively. The red wines on the Right Bank, which are mostly Merlot, tend to be silky and opulent, with graceful aromas and long, pretty flavors. Famous towns such as Pomerol and Saint Emilion, are home to the legendary Pétrus and the historical Belair, whose vineyard dates back to the 14th century.
In addition to the super elite towns mentioned above, there are lesser known areas with spectacular soils and old vines throughout the region, where one can find very good values. Côtes de Blaye, Graves de Vayres, Médoc and Bordeaux Supérieur are just a few. Bottom line, once you have experienced Bordeaux, you find yourself craving the depth and complexity these red wines provide. This will be easier in the 2005 vintage, but here are a handful of suggestions starting at $20 per bottle and going up to $125 for special occasions that are simply spectacular.
Château Gigault ‘Cuvee Viva’ Côtes de Blaye $25
Planted to 80% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, this estate made a big, rich, dense 2005 with tons of earthy, blackberry-laden fruit. Côtes de Blaye is a region on the Right Bank, about 30 miles from the center of the city of Bordeaux. Although totally drinkable now, you could cellar and enjoy this rich wine through 2015.
Château Le Conseiller Bordeaux Supérieur $25
Made by young up-and-comer Jean-Philippe Janoueix, who has built his reputation making wine in Pomerol and Saint Emilion, this wine has deep, chewy berry fruit and cedar flavors with a long, round finish. Although it is a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, it will remind you more of a sleek California Cab. Drink now – 2012.
Château Monbrison Margaux $40
Home to several top flight estates which command ever increasing prices, this little find has luscious aromas of black fruits, Asian spices and minerals with a concentrated palate and smooth tannins. Many claim that the area of Margaux made better wines than anywhere else in 2005. Decant this beauty until 2010 and drink through 2016+.
Château Pichon Bellevue Graves de Vayres $20
Made of 60% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, this reminded us of a petite Margaux when we tasted it alongside a range of 2005 Bordeaux reds. Look for plums and black cherries with rosewood and hints of vanilla on the nose and in the mouth. This is smooth & graceful and perfect with red meats or cheeses.
Château Pipeau Saint Emilion $35
From the medieval village of Saint Emilion, this is a popular international value pick. For New World wine drinkers, this intense fruit bomb offers sexy notes of raspberries, cherries and licorice. Energetic, velvety and rich, this Merlot-based beauty will turn you onto St. Emilion in a heartbeat! Drink now - 2020.
Château Tour Haut-Caussan Médoc $25
Planted to 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Merlot, the average age of the estate’s old vines is 30+ years. The history of the estate dates back to 1877, all of the fruit is handpicked and the family does not filter the wines, which gives the wine great concentration and complexity. Look for black currants, cedar and spices. Drink now – 2020.
Château Lascombes Margaux $80
Another wine from the 2005 ‘Superstar Appellation’ Margaux! When we attended the big ‘05 trade tasting organized by the Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux at the Waldorf Astoria in January 2008, we tasted a full range of top estates and our favorite Margaux of the day was Lascombes. Lush, charming, pure, complex, balanced and sexy, this wine glides on the palate and will continue to do so through 2035. Made of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot, this is one of our top cellar picks.
Château La Fleur Pétrus Pomerol $125
Typically precocious, elegant and silky in every vintage, the 2005 offering has incredible density, richness and sheer power to boot. Located next to the illustrious Château Pétrus, La Fleur Pétrus is planted to 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc and offers a relative value in comparison to its more expensive neighbors. Look for unctuous wild strawberries, raspberries, mocha and beautiful flowers in the nose and mouth. The sweet tannins will keep this beauty going through 2030+. It is the best we have ever tasted from this estate!
All of these wines are available at The Bottle Shop of Spring Lake.
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