Drank this one 6 months after the last. Starting to fade just a smidgen, but still has a great nose, round mouthfeel, and superb long lasting finish. Some sentiment so be cautious when handling.
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Allen Brothers Lamb Lollipops and the 05 vintage from Bordeaux.
The 2005 vintage was magical w/ star producers. Very good with the lesser regions like Caronne.
Pretty sure I paid around $25 for this give or take.
The entry is round, lush & rich. Blackberries, black raspberries, black plum, dark cherries and poached strawberries. Dark rich earth, moist clay, lead pencil, tobacco/cigar ash, used leather, dry river stone, dark chocolate cooking bar, black licorice, limestone powder, dry herbs, very light baking spices, dark, red, purple withering flowers, round acidity, balanced, highly structured & tensioned finish that lasts a minute.
This could actually use some more time in bottle, 3-5 yrs.
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I not only like it, I like it a lot! This 18 year old bourgeois has rounded third and is heading into home with a head first slide. Tannins are perfectly integrated and the nose on this wine is intoxicating, to say the least. Dark fruits, filled my mouth with a leathery red licorice that was hard to swallow all too fast. The beautiful finish lingers for minutes and makes this impossible drink too fast. Open it, let it breathe a bit, and take your time with this one. Sooo glad I have a few left which will serve me well in the future. What a wonderful french Bordeaux value!
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Three years after my last one, this was back on form. The tannins have now receded, leaving some elegant notes of blackberry and cherry, not unlike a fully mature example of Boyd-Cantenac at a third of the price or less. I wouldn't say the fruit is quite what it was, but what's left should last quite a bit longer. Great value at 11 euros.
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Took 2 hours in the decanter to really open up. This is smart and restrained with a little bit of menthol over some gorgeous raspberry and cherry fruits. Aromatics really packing a punch. The palate is not quite as well composed and there is a hint of flab on the end. Perhaps a year or two over the hill but the stately nose is a treat in itself.
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More fruit & depth comes through an hour or more after decanting. Mature but still in good condition. A very good, classical mid-range claret. Not a great wine but just what I hope for in a cru bourgeois.
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Now fully mature. Considerable deposit, so needs decanting. A bit short of nose and fruit at first, but it comes through after a water biscuit. A good food wine, possibly past its best.
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Solid! In a nice middle-aged spot with enough fruit but also some secondary notes of leather and tobacco. The only issue is that there is still a substantial amount of tannins on the finish, which I fear will outlive the fruit. I will drink my remaining bottles over the next few years.
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Similar to my last note in 2019. Just make sure you aerate for an hour or more. Has become a decent full-bodied drinker, but not spectacular. My last bottle.
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Menthol, mushroom/forest floor, fig, dark berries, mint, and cedar. Light/medium bodied with dark berries and med/plus acidity. Minty, menthol finish with some cigar ash and grippy tannin. Gains sweetness with aeration but still a little hard at the time of this note.
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The immediate taste is a very tart bitterness on the palate, followed by firm tannins. The most prominent note is like the scent you would get from a moldy or musky smell usually occurring from the inside of an old wet wooden boat.
Still in very good condition, though obviously mature. Enough fruit to balance the soft tannins and decent length and complexity. It developed a bit more in the glass after decanting (only a slight deposit). Not really intense, but a classic medium-bodied Bordeaux. I’m relieved since I found another full case in the cellar.
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Gang of 4 in Covid19 times; Haut Medoc (@ RW): Plums and dark berries, vanilla and oak in the bouquet. On the palate red and dark berries, herbs, red bell pepper, a firm amount of bitterness and fresh acidity. Mature now and it will stay on this level for some years.
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Popped and poured. Earthy nose of cedar, blackberries and beef blood. Deep but austere palate, saline and drying tannins. Seems to have years of life ahead of it.
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Fully matured now. It is in rather fragile state now as it declined rapidly when tasted next day. However, it is powerful, concentrated and delicious wine. Drink up! Lovely
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Very nice. Caramel and cinnamon on the fruit nose; still good levels of fruit in the mouth with pencil shavings, spice and plum. Good acidity and still some tannin, doesn't drink as if it was past its end date. I think it has another couple of years at least. Perhaps I'll forget about my other bottles for a while.....
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Not quite as good as I hoped. The attack is wonderfully fresh with elegant dark cherry, the blackcurrant middle section is fine too, but just as I thought it had turned out well, the tannins grabbed hold of the finish, rising to the top of the palate and leaving a very clear imprint. The impression is not totally unpleasant, but its a rather disjointed wine. What is worrying is that the tannins are a lot more angular now than a few years ago.
17,5/20 Excellent. 6e et dernière bouteille que je redresse depuis 2011. Celle-ci offrait des teintes évoluées vers le marron avec de beaux reflets orangés. Au nez : du bois et de la boule à mite..... bon, mais en bouche, ça s’exclame devant cette structure au texturé bien profond. Voilà le Bordeaux comme je l’aime. Il peut parfois nous offrir de belles surprises sans nécessairement devoir vider le CELI ou le REER. Offert chez Vintage chez nos voisins ontariens à 21,85$ en primeur, il se vend autour de 75$ maintenant chez un bin caviste de New-York.
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I enjoyed finding it in the cellar. PNP only one qtr of the bottle. Full body with dark fruit and leather notes. Interested to see what overnight air will bring. Great QPR IMO
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Bottle no. 22, of 24 purchased, is still drinking very nice. Still plenty of tannin structure and good fruit. Best with about a 2 hr. decant. It tends to get drier and a little more austere at 4 hours. I'm tempted to hide the last bottle for another 5 years and see what happens.
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Not much to say. Perfect cork, well stored bottle, 1hr decant....and nothing. Beautiful garnet color, some signs of aging....and nothing. Almost like this was in some "dumb" phase. There was no real brightness to this wine on the palate-----a good comparison was th 05 charmail I had recently that was beautiful, bright, tart, and mouthwatering. But the Caronne---nothing.
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Lovely 'classic' claret nose; brambles, blackcurrant, earth, leather, sous bois, cigar box, slight redcurrant sourness, woody spice. in the mouth the wine has medium plus intensity acid and tannins that are leathery and dry out the palate a little . Red and black fruit persist joined by a little clove and aniseed. Yum.
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Used latest Aervana at max level into a venturi to decant. Still needed about 30 mins to settle down. Not much barnyard funk as in previous bottles and aeration helped. Strong mid palate acidity and some dry finishing tannin that dissipates with more air. Decent drinker with a mix of red and black fruit with dry currant notes. Suggest decanting for 2-3 hours if you don’t aerate.
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Gravel, old wooden chest, a blast of slightly bretty meat and aged blackcurrant liqueur. A very soft entry (this is fully mature), easy drinking and refreshing mid palate and tinglingly bitter mint and liquorice finish. I love wines like this; overachieving, full of complexity.
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This wine has entered a new phase of expression. Even better than two previous tastings, with a broad, aromatic nose and rich flavors. Unfortunately, it was consumed at a restaurant and I have no notes. Always a great value, 2005 was special. Try it now if you haven't tasted it recently.
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Lunch with Peter (Fix St. James, 111 Elizabeth Street, Sydney): From Coravin. Brambles and plums, biscuit, a little 'wet' sweet spice, cream, a little leather, smells 'fresh'. And so it proves on the palate. Lovely lunchtime Claret. Fruit a little muted but present, tannic grip on the mid palate. Medium plus length. Really hitting it's straps. Great entry level Haut Medoc from a great vintage in a great spot.
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Full body and dry. Still with lots of acidity in mid palate with noticeable tannin. Deep merlot and cab franc flavor profile but fruits notes are muted behind licorice. Some barnyard notes that dissipated over an hour. Good with food but somewhat intense on its own. Keep getting mixed results with every bottle at this stage. Good for those who like intense, dry, licorice spiked notes.
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Another very similar showing to the one three + years ago. Still comes across as fresh and lively, sweet currant and plum fruit, juicy tannins and nice acidity this was a lovely wine to have with a meal. Nice long finish. Probably could have lasted a few more years but drinking great now.
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Coravin fun - Cornas and Bordeaux (My place, Kent Street): From Coravin. Ripe blackcurrant, graphite, cedar, a little caramel, forest floor and leather. Juicy, rich but not quite as ripe on the palate, similar flavours to the nose - some leather, blackcurrant - and tight but integrated tannins that finish a little astringently. Nice though.
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Used some for cooking. Slightly corky, though drinkable. Licorice and woodsmoke, not much fruit. Seems like the ingredients are there, but this is just a miss. Tastes like middling Bordeaux Superieur, but at twice the price. Third of three bottles; glad to be done with these.
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Opened and initial was tight. Put cork back on loosely and 24 hours later, it unwound and body developed. Light to medium, mild berry, food accomdating
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Day 1 after being open an hour it was ok - a little dry and tannic still. Day 2 it was much better - with cigar box on the nose and velvety moth feel. It is more mineral than fruity. Some very dark cherry, maybe some almonds and cocoa powder flavor and a slightly tannic finish. Let it breath a while up front and you should enjoy it.
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13.5% alcohol. Good cork with virtually no wine penetration. Decanted for a short 30mn due to unforeseen circumstances. The colour is deep with no sign of evolution. The wine is a bit stern and sullen initially, but I take the blame because of the short decanting; I am basing these notes on a post-prandial glass. Harmonious nose with cherries in evidence. The mouth is on the same lines, with mid weight and commendable liveliness. This can still improve for a couple of years, I think. As far as I can remember, the 2009 is even better (two notches up, I would say), and actually more ready too. A safe bet, and a repeat purchase.
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16/20 Il me reste une bouteille et elle peut vieillir encore. Marron, brun, sombre. Nez évolué, tertiaire. Bouche suave, notes fruités (pruneaux), tanins encore rudes.
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I see a $14.95 auction price for this and have to say I'd buy a case at that price. Well aged and drinking very well alone and with filet. Last bottle which is too bad as I think there are several more years left in this one.
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Coming soon after the 2010 I tasted recently, I suspected I may have overrated this, but not at all - it is slightly better. The fruit is darker, leaning firmly towards forest fruits. It needs time to open fully - it was much better on the second day. There are still slightly bitter tannins which need air to relax and melt into the background, allowing the fruit to come forward in the mix. The style is similar to that of Brane Cantenac and this would give many CCs a run for their money. Like the 2010, there is a sleekness to the taste that probably began at the estate with this vintage. It's very impressive and an excellent QPR.
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Finally was truly ready, with the tannins fully resolved and the hardness gone. The 05 Bordeaux vintage has required even $16 wines to age 12 years. I would venture this is at peak now.
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I will guess the drinking window is longer than estimated...maybe 2020. I have a few more bottles to test. This one is still alive with no sign of decline. No bret. good stewed fruit and a lot of rustic forest. I am so pleased I purchased a bunch of this one for $18 a bottle.
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A step up from our previous tasting two years ago. But it’s still time to pop these. Color was good, but a metallic tinge in the bouquet. Fruit has dropped out almost completely, leaving graphite, campfire ash and forest leaves. Short, but pleasant, finish. Drink up.
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This is finally coming around. Full body, intense with good acidity in the mid palate. More balanced than a year ago. Taste of currants and black fruits. Finishes with some drying tannin but not excessive. Good food wine with a solid porterhouse steak or similar meats. I think it has just started to peak and has a few more good years left. 89+
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Popped in poured tonight. Had with grilled tri-tip. Match along side and 05 Caumus. Worlds apart. This is much more subtle and earthy and its complexity. No sharp edges. Nice consistent Bordeaux. So much different than I remember tasting it upon release.
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decanted and left for 90 minutes. On the nose plenty of primary blackcurrand bramble fruit with cream, cpice and a slight dustiness (hmm, could be the glass) there are touches of leather and tarragon as well. In the mouth it's wet, savoury black fruit and the acidity notes on the savoury, slightly drying floury tannins. The finish is marginally astringent with leather and tarragon notes as well. By itself this bottles seems to lack a little generosity but with rack of lamb it shines
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PnD 2/3 of the bottle let air for 2hrs. Deep garnet purple dense but not opaque with plum to clear rim. Cassis plum rosemary tobacco and fig on the nose. Medium weight with ripe cherry skin and nicely steeped black tea tannins. Cassis plum fig fennel rosemary tobacco and a touch of tar on the palate. Very dry on the finish with cassis and herbs. Still young but in a bit of an in between phase. Would not let air for so long with my next bottle.
Day 2. Rest of the bottle that had not been exposed to air was fresher with more fruit. +1 pt. Confirmed initial note that this does not need a lot of air.
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This has turned into a decent example of Haut-Medoc in the 39 months or so since I last sampled it. Earthy, some black licorice, subtle black fruit, a little wood smoke. Puts on a little weight with air. Not special but serviceable. Drink or hold.
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Testing out the new Coravin, so didn't actually pull the cork on this. Whereas one would normally be careful while decanting a bottle like this, i was caught up in following the instructions for the new tool and I must have had too much tilt on the bottle because I got some sediment in the wine. Oops.
Anyway , an enjoyable Bordeaux that is drinking well now.
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Drank last night. This is the best bottle yet, and living up to its lofty 91 pt WS score. It was ready to drink about an hour after decanting, but was even more velvety 2-3 hours later. Wonderful balance with luscious red and black fruit (plum and cherry), plus chocolate, vanilla, earth, and herbal notes. Enough tannins to hold this for another 5+ years, but it's in its prime drinking window now. Glad that I still have a case of this. At the $13 price point, this is a fabulous any-night Bordeaux.
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This showed very well - rich fruit, a touch sweet on nose and initial taste, medium body and finish. Tannins are not at all coarse and providing some structure. Forest notes, cedar and leather, even a touch of liquorice. Pleasantly surprised. Some life left as the fruit does not appear to be on the wane.
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A classic bottle of mid-weight claret. Lots of herbal, leather ad earthy notes in the nose, dark fruits on the palate, good structure and a bit of backend coarseness from some fine-grained tannins. A great pairing with roast leg of lamb on a cold winter night.
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Strong aromas of creosote & black tea, with some notes of crunchy black cherry, & herbes. The finish is still astringent on the first day. 12 hours yields a more drinkable wine. Recommend some aeration prior to drinking and a decanting of the sediment. The last sip offers some cedar, savory licorice, and a clean, balanced finish. Still on the upslope, I believe.
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Fruit fading a bit, but reasonable balance between fruit & savory notes. Black fruit, with forest notes, toast, & strong tannins. Not sure tannins will resolve in time before fruit fades. Some texture & fair balance. Don't even try to drink until at least one hour open or in glass. Enjoyed with some smoked gouda & crackers, which helped with tannins. Not a bad bordeaux considering price. Waiting another 3 years might help.
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Similar to last note. Quite dense almost black. Strong merlot notes with licorice, tar, currants, tobacco and forest floor. Still needs time in cellar after 11 years.
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Commercial, inexpensive, barely quaffable. Heavy on the merlot, clumsy, foursquare, and a bit ponderous with big gritty and awkward tannins. Drinkable and something I'd be fine with from a restaurant serving wines by the glass. I'd say drink now but for wanting it to get better-- it isn't in any danger of falling apart. Wines like this give Bordeaux a bad name -- I bet it costs as much as $40-$50 at some wine shops and it has a pretty label after all with writing that sure looks like French -- to those who don't know better.
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This is an addendum to my review in August '16. The first night, the first of the bottle was good. As we approached the bottom half of the bottle, however, the tannins really leaped out. The second night I aerated the wine and it was pretty unpleasant so it got tossed. It was replaced with an 09 l'Hospitalet de Gazin that was much better.
So I'll sit on the Caronne Saint Gemme another year and see what happens. At least it was not too $$.
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This is noticeably better than it was in February, 2015. Herbal on the nose but not distinct. Dark purple in the glass. Smooth, medium body. Dark cherry, a little vanilla and cedar taste. Tannins are softer than in 2015. Very nice with breast of duck.
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Been a few years since my first bottle. At that time it was just too tannic. Today, it is full bodied, with licorice, blackberry, smooth with a bit of forest floor. It is dense with the classic Bordeaux merlot-cab franc notes. Still has a way to go but either at or close to peaking. Good QPR but needed patience.
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brambly and blackcurrant fruit, touches of leather and forest floor, a little muted perhaps than others but still very pleasant indeed with leg of lamb and some roast veg.
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Really starts to open up after about an hour after uncorking. It improved tremendously from a muted nose and thin on the palate to an entirely enjoyable Bordeaux. Of course the 13.5% alcohol isn't going to catapult it deep into full-bodied territory but the weight and concentration are palpable. Clear medium purple transitioning to ruby on the rim. Plums, cherries, sweet tobacco and lavender. Tannins are starting to melt away and the acid and fruit are close to a perfect balance. White pepper and hint of smoke on the mid-palate. The finish is medium long. In its prime drinking window.
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Admittedly a regrettable pop and pour, and hopefully an off-bottle. This didn't really budge over the course of hours. Severe and hard and has lots of mineral but still strict austerity for 10+ years old. Perhaps it's the vintage, but structure still greatly outweighs stuffing. If this was a typical bottle, the short-medium finish leads me to believe that this overreaches and the hard tannin and acid will outlast the stuffing.
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Definitely at the start of prime Drinking window. Very enjoyable weekday wine with no faults and enough regional character to keep it intresting. For those who bought it sub $15, this is clearly a bargain.
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A 2005 CdP vs. a 2005 Haut-Medoc: great wines from a great vintage across France.: With ten years under their belts we compared two $25-$30 wines from the generally outstanding 2005 vintage in France: the Usseglio regular CdP bottling and the Caronne Ste Gemme from Haut-Medoc Bordeaux. Both wines were outstanding and drank well over a few hours without decanting. This paired beautifully with perfectly medium-rare the pepper skirt steak (the Rhone paired better with the marinated chicken). This Caronne Ste. Gemme was restrained and classy with handsome fruit, a little smoke and pencil lead, and good adaptability to food. And a no-brainer for the price. now-2020
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From 75cl, perfect cork, P+P. Currently swaddled in glycerine, the sweet, fat, murky entry has glimpses of high-quality blackcurrant and cedar action, which should show more convincingly in about 5 years. No hurry, this chubby chappy is in it for the long haul. 2020-2025? 86(-89)P
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Was feeling a little Bordeaux tonight- exceeded expectations. Super dark and lush with smooth tannins. Will go another 10 yrs based on color and finish! Wish I ha a few more bottles
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Has qualities beyond its pedigree. Deep rich garnet color, light-medium body with delicate, wandering legs. Rather fascinating to swirl and enjoy. The nose opened quickly after PNP with aromas of ground pepper, cassis, blueberries and notes of roses or gardenias. Rich mouth feel, forward taste of dark fruits and berries, earthiness, cassis and a hint of apricot. Crystal-clear, well-defined, smooth tannins. Finish is rather short and very dry as others have noted, or would have earned a 91. Nicely paired with flatiron steak and pork tenderloin. Excellent QPV with 4-5 years of life ahead.
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This wine is punching way above its weight and is easily a 4th growth wannabe. Excellent mouthfeel and weight- while not showing any palate fatigue which isn't easy to accomplish with most haut medocs. For a "simple wine" this 2005 at ten years is drinking beautifully and is showing not even the slightest bit of decline. Very clean cherry and ripe savory dark fruits framed with cedar coffee and and a bit of garrigue. A nice long smooth tannin finish. 90-91+
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This wine can be drank with just about anything or on its own. It is drinking very well right now without any decant. Could easily age a few more years. The tannins are almost fully integrated. Not much nose, but on the palate, the wine exhibits flavors of cassis, black currant, spice and leather. I look forward to continuing to see how it develops over the next several years.
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This wine is developing very nicely. 2 hour decant. Leather, cassis, dry, earthy. Drinking nicely now but could also hold for 5 years or more. Note: high sediment. Recommend to stand bottle for a few hours before decanting.
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Not decanted. Reidel bdx glass. Darker and younger than expected. Just a tinge of garnet on the rim. Not particularly forward on the nose, some cassis and leather notes, more brooding and restrained though. Smooth and delicious on the palate, just the right amount of earth and acidity, distinctly BDX, nice cassis and plummy fruit, pretty mellow tannins. finishes very dry but with food - really nice match.
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Lacking bouquet but a lovely balanced classic bordeaux with high toned tobacco, cranberry, celery salt, and cassis. So enjoyable, especially with food.
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uncorked bottle about 3 hours before tasting. ok quaff, drank without food, probably better with a substantial meal. The CS comes thru, big, integrated tannins, full body, initially on palate, but dissipates quickly. Should last 3-5 more years. ok QPR.
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Decanted 2 hours. Floral with nice bouquet of vanilla oak accents. Nice integration. Rich and decadent and a long fruity finish. Smooth lingering dry tannin. Concentrated and chewy. A gem at this price.
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D1h. Dark red, thin yellow rim, 5.5. Lovely generous bouquet of blackcurrant, pencil, jasmin like flowers, really complex. Harmonious classic palate, pencil, some tannin, long finish. Drink now-2020. This has matured very well and is in its drinking window.
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Our last bottle. It has clearly mellowed and improved over the ten years but I am not sure it has improved enough to justify the implied cost of sitting on it for this long. It is a winner tonight though.
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Nothing special but nothing bad at all. A good representation of the Medoc and drinking well overall. A 2hr decant helped. Good warm fruit with a hint of grapeness but a brambley mid-palate and finish that holds on for half a minute or so.
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From Coravin. Brambles, slight earth notes, leather, dusty spice over blackcurrants and an almost cassis quality. In the mouth the wine is juicy with red over slightly sour blackcurrant. fine tannins. Tastes quite simple today. medium length. Hmm.
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17 / 20 * * * COUP de CŒUR Visuel:rubis dense Olfactif:beau nez de fruits noir. Net Gustatif:j'aime l'attaque : droit, texturé avec des tanins assez imposant. Réduction (goût de balsamique) Ensemble:un des bons 2005 achetés chez Vintage en 2008 à prix tout à fait correct pour un cru bourgeois du Haut-Médoc
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Bought this at Costco on release for $14. This estate is located just South of St. Julien. 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. Blackish red color. Not decanted. My first bottle. Grapey fruit with garrigue, cedar and tobacco notes. Smooth tannins which were approachable. Silky texture. The most complete of the 3 lesser 2005 bordeaux we opened. 90 points
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I tend to agree with NEWFRENCHCLARET. It is a bit dry and definitely tannic. We used a Vinturi to aerate and found it very pleasant with braised duck legs. Not especially distinct on the nose. Nice legs and good color in the glass. A little cedar, boysenberry and near the end of the meal, some dark cherry and a hint of strawberry. We had it with our meal - probably not a good choice to sip without food. Have about 5 or 6 left and will wait a while to try again.
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Coravin fun - around the northern hemisphere ish (My place, parramatta, sydney): From Coravin. That Bordeaux smell….bramble, cedar, toast/biscuit, black currant, slight meat, autumn leaves…in the mouth the wine is juicy with savoury black fruits - bramble and blackcurrant - quite tight, as are the tannins which are drying but not in a bad way. Wonderful with lamb chops.
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From Coravin. Aromas of leather, cedar, slight methoxypyrazine over blackcurrant and spice as well as a meaty element. On the palate the wine has flavours of savoury blackcurrant, muted spice, some leather notes that lead into a moderately drying tannic profile that is slightly tough. Hmm, despite their drying nature I wouldn't say they are dominant or the wine is out of whack. This is the third bottle I've tucked into from a half case and I'd say this one is the most 'classic entry Bordeaux' for me at this stage. I rather like it.
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Consistent with my previous note of 1/11/13, as this bottle's tannins were still not resolved and required about an hour of decanting. Not finding much charm (hard and tannic) in these lower end 05's even after their 9th birthday.
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Not its best showing. The cork has held up remarkably well, showing only 1/4 inch of seepage, but throwing off a lot of medium-grained sediment, even when carefully poured. From a Haut-Medoc producer that has been around since the 1600s. Ruby/plum color with thick legs. An earthy bouquet with a touch of cedar followed by sour plum notes and cedar and pencil lead in the finish. One dimensional at this stage of its life. Cellar stored since release. Will hold onto my last bottle for another year to see what happens. 80-82
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Dense black fruit nose with a few meaty undertones starting to develop. Starts very dry but sweeter on the mid-palate. Nice long finish. Still very tannic, so will be interesting to taste in a few years time.
Shows the concentration of the 2005 vintage, but not the most charming wine in the world at the moment. I have five more of these, so here's hoping it will seduce me at a later date.
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Perennially underrated. Blinded, I'd guess this a 2nd growth pauillac or Mouton from a lesser vintage. Dense ruby color with only hint of orange starting to show at rim. Svelte, rich nose of dense fruit, leather craftman's shop, and a flaxen beauty's armpit (and I say that in a good way). In the mouth, same armpit, cool mint, tight dark fruits, perfectly firm tannins. Long but not yet gentle finish. I think this is a superb wine. Has a future too. Will buy more if I can find it. Later years (even 09) not this good.
Still looks very young - an attractive, semi-translucent magenta in color, right up to the edge of the glass. Has a very pretty Bordeaux nose of crushed dark berries, earth, leather and spice. Medium-to-full bodied, but there's not much depth or intensity to its ripe plum and blackberry fruit. Nicely balanced, with a moderate acidity and just a touch of oak, but noticeably hollow on the mid-palate and not particularly long on the finish. A simple, straightforward Haut-Medoc. 50+5+12+13+6=86
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On the nose Ribena - blackcurrant cordial - cedar, cigar box and a glorious dense pyrazine note here as well. Touches of leather. Savoury black currant on the palate, juicy, tangy, chalky tannin…a lot better than the last bottle I had. Very mellow…the tertiary characteristics are developing but there is still some primary fruit. Lovely.
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Decanted for less than an hour. This is the second bottle this year that has had two ratings. With food it is a 90, maybe 90+. However, without food it is 87, at best. Not spectacular, but a good value for the price.
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Very good, but not much else to say; a very serviceable Haut-Medoc: the Bordeaux fans at dinner gravitated to it immediately and enjoyed it, but once they tasted the 2005 Douro Reserva from Quinto da Crasto and the 2007 Paso Robles Cab-Syrah blend from L'Aventure, the clear preference was for the latter two wines.
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Bold chunky stuff here/ very nice nose dark and concentrated charcoal , liquorice , plum/ dense palate almost impenetrable oaky but very smooth, very dry tannins 13.5% great value 89-91
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The last of about 8 bottles I got at Costco for about $12 or $13 I think. These drank very well early, then shut down and weren't as approachable for a long while. This one was the best of the few that I laid down, much more fleshy and open for business. Pop and pour, just took a few minutes to wake up. Nice nose, if uncomplicated. Fruity on the palate, and the tannins that enveloped it earlier have calmed down. Finish was still a little tight and not particularly long. Overall, a terrific mid week wine enjoyed with a steak out of the freezer
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Decanted for about an hour. Drank with rack of lamb (which was excellent) Stood up nicely. Plenty of tannin, still has some life left. Not a particularly big wine, but reasonable body. Good fruit, well balanced. Probably has another year or so left.
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Sunday arvo sit down BBQ at Cheryl's (Oak Street, North Sydney): On the nose there are medium intensity aromas of leather, savoury black currant and bramble, spice, cream, slight pencil shavings. On the palate there is medium plus acid washing through muted brambly fruit, leather and cedar with quite chewy, chalky and slightly tough tannins on the medium length. Okay.
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Classic. Earth note. Drinking well........this bottle was very good with food, but so-so when having a glass after dinner. However, was better the second night.
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A bit earthy..a bit rustic. Grippy, not much length, some fruit.
For me this wine was just about OK but lacked any elegance, and I don't think it'll acquire any in the future, I expected better; overall, quite boring.
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Good bottle. Worth every penny of the $14 I paid for it. It has developed some darker fruit as time has gone on. Drink this up as it will not be a long lived wine.
Still firm upon opening, it showed some glimpses of fruit behind the tannin, more so after some time in the decanter. The next day offers up more sweetness & fruit to complement the grippy finish. Perhaps the best tasting so far, but still a ways away from fully cracking. Drinkable now, but best 2015+ to 2020 (89-91 pts).
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My notes from 12/18/11 still hold. Lovely, with the tannins completely resolved. Blueberries and blackberries with hints of cedar. Pencil lead in the nose and finish. Drink up; this can only go downhill from here.
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Dark ruby red, dark fruit on the nose, but still quite tight. Supple and silky with a dry finish. Blackberry, tobacco, pepper, smoke, leather. Really long dry finish. Agree with others that this is ready to drink but think it will open more in a few years. Plan to drink it over next 5 years. Great quality at the price point. Very tart finish when first opened, but really opened up after decanting for 1 hour. Decant 2 - 3 hours before drinking.
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classically styled red Bordeaux. cedar and rustic notes on the nose. tart red fruit and spice on the palate. nice wine... seems to have plenty of life ahead -- at least 5 years (and I am not storing in a cellar which is especially cold). good value.
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Vibrant, spicy aromas of cherry and blackberry, with an attack of the same, then a powerful second section that focusses more on blackberry cordial, rising steadily to the top of the throat, where it lingers before a long and satisfying finish. Easily the best Caronne ever.
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From 75cl, perfect cork, P+P. 2 hours later: Dark purple/black. Quite closed aromatically, some cedar and very dark (blackberry?) fruit. Heavy-bodied entry, much more weighty than expected, glycerine, almost the mouth-feel of a light C9 du pape; the mid-palate gives the Médoc game away, more cedar, grippy tannins; shortish dry dusty finish. Pleasant enough now, this has at least 5 years in store and may improve as it slims down in middle-age. (85-)86P
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Down to my last 4 - from the 18 or so that I bought a few years ago. Has been my "go-to" wine when the dinner occasion is "in-between" - i.e. not just a weeknight and not a special weekend meal with guests.
Very tasty. Has the "could be so much better if it had...." sense to it (pick your descriptor - length, finish, bouquet, etc). So perfect for the occasion above
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Opaque with deep ruby garnet color, drank with dinner out of Riedel Vinum Bordeaux stems. Medium pronounced nose dominated by fruit, herbs, toasted oak and earthiness. Medium to high acid levels with full body. Palate is in line with nose with cassis, plums, chocolate, leather, tobacco, wet leaves and earthy mushroom.. This wine possessed medium finish.. with medium tannins Drinking well now but could age.. Excellent
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Easy going, simple, medium bodied wine, with a slightly rustic nature without faults, or virtues. Due to its low price and large production, the wine is quite popular.
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Still tight. Deep and dark, but the fruit and flavor did not open up. Still has back bone and tannins.....so not tiring. WA says to drink by 2016, but that seems too soon. Will wait at least a year to try another bottle.
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DnP. Dark red, red rim, 5.5. Initially somewhat closed nose which opened up in the first hour showing typical Medoc virtues albeit dominated by rather heavy ripe dark fruits. The same goes for the palate, some tannin. Drink now or wait 3-5 years for more elegance
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Dusty cassis and cedar with dry, firm tannins on the finish. Consistent with my tasting note from 3 years ago. Not much change or improvement over that time. Maybe this is as good as it gets...
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Surprisingly good. Big ripe fruit flavors against an earthy and graphite backdrop. Started out acidic, but after about a couple hours really opened up and showed nice balance. Seemed to be entering its drinking window. Not sure it has the structure to improve a lot, but imagine it can go for at least another 5. Certainly a fine QPR for those who were patient enough to wait.
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$15 dollars and some patience have really paid off. With a good bit of air this came together and showed balance and big fruit flavor against a dry earthy tannic background. Went very well with our meal.
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Decanted 1/2h. Dark red, weak yellow rim, 5,5. Generous classic Medoc nose, pencil, cedar, dark fruit. behind is also some mint-like elements. Harmonious on the palate although with a fair portion of tannins. Drink now - 2018. Beginning to turn into a fine petit chateau Medoc. This vintage is very sun ripe but the new world character of this wine is about to disappear in favour of more classical Medoc notes. Thanks!
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Poured through a Vinturi into a decanter to speed up the process while warming the wine and started drinking after a half hour. Dark cherry and currant fruit on a medium body frame with some concentration that also has a just a bit of heat on the finish. The tannins are still not completely resolved which gives a little bite. Very nice for the price, but more time will see it improve if inclined to store, but no more than a point or two of upside.
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PnP, first, and found intense red and black fruit, along with some cedar and spice. Then, let it breathe in the decanter for a couple hours. More secondary flavors came to the fore with air time. Tannins have really mellowed for this wine. Still lacks length in the finish; otherwise, I'd score it higher. At $13, this is a huge QPR. Still have 17 bottles. Yippee!
Graphite and sweet dark fruits on the nose. Still relatively primary with strong tannins and some earthy fruit, initially cassis but then on the second night more integrated into cedary taste. Strong tannins and relatively short finish. Better on the second night and after long decanting. This was a bottle I received as a gift, will save my bottle for another year or so... 89+
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This was my last bottle of a case and by far the best. Drinking nicely. Good fruit. Had with a spaghetti squash casserole - mushrooms, cheese, onions, tomatoes - it matched well. Wish I had waited on earlier bottles.
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Grabbed this and took it out to a BYO with lousy stems. As a result, I could not get a good read on the wine. Nothing wrong. Not noticeably tannic but did not give up much on the nose or complexity of flavors. Could easily have been the glassware. Food and company were great so I did not care about the stems.
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3rd bottle out of a case purchased EP & stored at 55°. Seductive floral, blackberry, coffee, smoke, and gravelly notes. Still tight on the palate, fairly lightweight with focused acidity, and finishes with ripe tannins. Was hoping it would be more of an early drinker, but like other petits chateaux I've tracked from 2005 (Beaumont & Camensac), I think this one still needs additional cellaring (Drink from 2014-2020+?).
I do have to note that my first pour had a lot of fine sediment, so I might stand up the bottle for a day or two the next time.
Day 2: More expressive and fills out nicely, in fact more of everything shows up, but the tannins coat the tongue and clamp down pretty hard in the end. It will be a solid drink, especially for the money, by the time the tannins resolve, perhaps around 2014-15. As it stands, it's still an evolving wine in need of a nice cold cellar. (score:88-90).
As an aside, I read Chris Kissack's review after posting mine, and it's an excellent take. Any future notes by him would be a nice guide of its progress.
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Very light and opened up well after about an hour. Held up great and expect the other bottle I have to drink just as well in 6 months. Not sure there's much life after that -- it's drinking well now, definitely worth what I paid.
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This wine has really opened up in the 15 months since I last had it. Medium to full body. Cherry, licorice, and a little shaved chocolate. Has a meaty presence also. Very dry finish.
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Some nice aromas upon opening....a little herbal. In the mold of most 2005's, modern, rich, tannic and somewhat low acidity that hinders the finish. Better than many at this price point, but disappointed with how this has aged.
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Somewhat muted both in smell and taste. Still a little too young to drink. Immediately recognizable as a Bordeaux. Tannins are smooth and hints of darker fruits and some graphite. I'd wait another year or two if your supply of this wine is limited. A good wine but not showing a lot of depth right now.
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Last bottle of case. Deep fresh colour, blackcurrants and a hint of mint on the nose. Well made balanced wine, with rich fruit blended with tobacco and a little oak. Neither too jammy or over austere. Not overly long or complex but very enjoyable and good value. WoFW 13/20
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Tasted after a thirty minute decant. Consistent with earlier note. "This has rounded much more into form. Fairly yummy in fact. A relatively expressive nose of mineral, ripe fruit and tobacco. Dark cherry, plum, blueberry and oak flavor with a tart finish. I cannot see much reason to wait to consume our remaining bottles."
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From 75cl, decanted 2 hours. Solid, dark, rich, ripe material, but rather surly, at least at this pubescent stage of development. If it develops a little more identifiable fruit characteristic and/or Médoc cedar and spice, this will be delightful in middle age. 86P(+)
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Concentrated, dark and youthful at this point. Decanted 3 hours. Round and juicy, you just want to drink this. Nose with cedar, cigar box, flowers and dark fruits. Full bodied and good length for a lesser Cru. Great value here and still so fresh which is not suprising for the vintage. Finishes with graphite, lead pencil shavings and spices. Hold this for a few more years it will gain. Drink 2015-2018.
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Decanted only 15 minutes before drinking, and it could use more time aerating. Opened up more as we consumed it. On the nose there is some cedar and cigar with mild dark berries. On the palate it has dark overtones, like coffee and some mild bitterness on the end. Decent concentration and acidity. Not quite integrated now, but should improve over the next few years.
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We should drink more Bordeaux. This was lovely. Tannins have become much more integrated, although they still make an appearance throughout the evening. Blueberries; blackberries; a hint of slightly ripe cherries. Pencil lead in the nose. A noteworthy value at the $13 we paid for it, esp. considering it's a bdx. Drink now through 2015.
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Delightful bdx. Nose of black currants, crushed berries and cedar spice. Palate is fully concentrated with a dark currant and plum filled character showing a touch of leather. Finishes slightly dry, but lush and adding cedar spice and mineral. A great QPR that really starting to drink well with a couple hours air.
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91+ This bottle was much more open than the last. What delicious fruit! This bottle convinces me that this wine is made for the long haul. I'm going to try to keep my remaining bottles for at least another 3-4 years. The tannins are really prominent, especially on this second day of the bottle being opened, but the fruit and minty freshness of the nose is quite nice. I see a really nice future for this wine.
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Tasted about 30 minutes after decanting. This is the first bottle that we have opened in almost a year and it has rounded much more into form. Fairly yummy in fact. A relatively expressive nose of mineral, ripe fruit and tobacco. Dark cherry, plum, blueberry and oak flavor with a tart finish. I cannot see much reason to wait to consume our remaining bottles.
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Decanted and poured. Dark red, initial signs of maturity, 5.5. Nose of sun ripe berries, behind are the classic Medoc notes fighting to get room. A nice tannin structure safes the wine from going overseas. Drink 2013-2020 then maybe higher score.
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First bottle for six months, deep extract, a classic nose of cassis and leather. Good fruit on entry and tannins softening, not bad for a ten quid bottle
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Tasted only on day 2. Tannins are starting to recede into the fruit a little. Lovely black berry and currant palate with a lengthy mocha finish. Only bdx has this acidity and poise. Great for the price.
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The wine has improved. Still very one dimensional but easy to drink. Seemed more together. Lighter than I like Bordeaux wines. Had with roasted lamb chops.
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Reminds me of a girl in high school who had the elements of beauty, but she was so reserved in her manner, you never felt like you really knew her or wanted to be around her after the first blush wore off, like the conversation died. This wine has a pleasant nose of dark cherry and toasted oak, was attractive at first (at least intriguing), then it just seemed to settle back into the shadows and not show you much else.
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Drank over 2 days. The merry-go-round continues with this wine. The bottle I opened 6 months ago was shut down hard. The one I opened 3 months ago was quite open and ready to go. This bottle was only slightly more open than the one from 6 months ago. The nose showed some very nice cassis and spice. On the palate, the attack showed some nice, up front blackberry, integrated wood, and currant but the mid-palate closed down quickly behind a wall of tannin. The extended air over the two days helped a little bit but this one really needed more time sideways. Pity it was my last one.
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a sleeping 05 value Bordeaux. Tried to wake up but too late in the night to really see it open. Tight, subdued, austere and bashful. even the cheap 05 Bordeauxs have some stuffing that needs time to work out. Revisit another day and my 6L in another decade.
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A bit stinky on opening, soon blew off. My first 2005 Bordeaux, just beginning to shut down I think. Very tannic still, though fairly well structured Medoc, so this should be a whole lot better in 5 years time...
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Subtle aromas of red berries and a little earth. Tight on the palate with only a little red fruit coming out. Try and tannic on the finish. Needs air and food.
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Nice but subdued nose of blackberry, currant and a little earthy funk. Full bodied and smooth, the fruit plays second to the oak, tannins and earthiness.
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for the money this remains a very good wine. Popped and poured. It was very tight and tannic for the first 45 minutes or so. I would decant the next for 1-2 hours. It drank very well over the course of 2 hours. I expect this to be even better in 3-5 years. It really speaks volumes for the 2005 vintage as a whole
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Pleasant shy nose of currants, cedar, and leather. Plenty of drying if soft tannins on the palate. Black cherry flavors, mild vanilla and cedar on the drying finish. A little thin on the mid palate, probably in an in-between stage right now.
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14,5/20 O: Grenat aux reflets orangés. O: Fruité, réglisse, bacon et poivre blanc. Le nez est agréable. G: Attaque en bouche fruitée avec des tanins sérieux et droit. Un peu astringeant. L'ensemble donne l'aspect d'un vin un peu trop international et classique à la fois. J'aurais aimé un peu plus d'exubérance. Faut-il attendre ce 2005 ? probablement encore quelques années...
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Benefits from decanting. Then has a decently smooth mouthfeel with a few abrasive tannins. Good dark fruits, decent finish. Give this a few more years and I think its really going to wake up.
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Pop 'n pour. The last bottle of this I opened 2 months ago was completely shut down and hard as nails. This bottle was quite open and ready for business. I'm not sure if 2 months made the difference or it's due to bottle variance, but this bottle was quite nice. Lovely nose of currant and cement dust. On the palate, black currant, cedar, and caramel. Oak was integrated but a bit on the heavy side for my tastes. Good acidity with some firm tannins on the finish. Good balance. Nice now but should show better in a couple more years.
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Tasted immediately after opening. Consistent with last note. Tart cherry fruit that is coming more into balance with the tannins. Comfortable sipper. I do not expect much upside from here.
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Still think this one needs more time and definitely needs a decant. has dark fruit and some earth on a muted nose. In the glass muted dark fruit with lead shavings and earth also tannins. you can tell there is good structure, just needs more time.
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Still not ready. Silky smooth mouthfeel, although no real flavors coming through. Literally like liking silk. Back end has huge dry tannins. Awkward stage that it will hopefully grow out of.
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Dark ruby in colour. A good nose of black fruit with plenty of damp earthy forst floor aromas, a little pencil lead, really inviting. The palate doesn't quite match the nose, it's still quite tight and the tannins, whilst certainly not unpleasent, will integrate better with time and it will hopefully flesh out a little to match that nose. Once again, a very good value wine from this property.
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Tasted over 3 days. It's been 2 and a half years since my last bottle of this. It hasn't budged a bit -- it's as tight and tannic as it was in March of 2008 when I bought 5 bottles. The nose is very faint, but is not bad -- hints of dusty raspberry and cranberry. On the palate, some nice dark berry flavors, but very, very tannic and tight. Did not improve over the days of being open in bottle. Tasting with salami and cheese helped a bit with the tannins, but the fruit was just not there. Not a bad wine, but I guess I was just expecting more from this given the hype of the 2005 Bordeaux vintage. This will probably improve a little bit with a few years in the cellar, but IMO, there is not enough fruit to think that this will turn into something very good.
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First bottle of this wine that we have opened in over a year. Tasted after a 30 minute decant. Fruit and damp earth nose. Still tight. Tart cherry flavor. Tannins are more in balance than they were last year. This will probably improve a bit more but I don't see a lot of upside and it is hard to justify the cellar space for a bottle in this price range. Close enough to start drinking it up.
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Deep ruby color, flavors and nose of dark fruit, earhy, leather/cedar. This is a musty, earthy wine of medium acidity and medium/high tannins. Very good wine. I'd like more. Has the potential to develop further w/ age.
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This was nice, if a bit rustic. Had great concentrated fruit and smooth, if not elegant, tannins. Obviously very young, will be interesting to see if the remaining bottles improve.
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Lots of sweet berry fruit, with chocolate, coffee, bacon and earth tones. Medium to full body, with decent structure, but tanins still a bit tight several hours after opening. Slight barnyard on the nose.
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Deep ruby robe with red rim. Clean nose, opening over 1-2 hours to show moderately intense aromas of black cherry, licorice and underbrush. Full-bodied on the palate, with medium acidity and now with medium supple tannins. The flavors mirror the nose and a mineral component is added. Medium, fairly smooth finish. When compared with my last tasting of this wine 6/13/08, the tannins have definitely softened and the improved score reflects this positive change. Drink now-12/15. ADDENDUM: This wine was allowed to breathe an additional 24 hours in decanter and was serially tasted 5/22/10. The aromatics markedly improved and the flavors "popped". If possible at this point, I would decant well in advance of serving in order to maximize the pleasure of this wine.
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The relatively high score here is for potential rather than present reality. The underlying structure of the wine, with firm tannins, restrained fruit and plenty of acidity is solid. Nice dusty dark cassis and loamy notes show when the bottle is first opened, then after about an hour everything clamps down to reveal little flavor and lots of those cedary tannins. Hold another year.
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Dark purple. Inviting nose of chocolate, fresh cream, and dark fruits. Big palate coating wine with lots of back end tannin. Very well put together. Needs a few more years at least and it will be in stride.
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Simple nose of dusty, dark fruit and cedar. Flavors start with reticent cassis that quickly dries into the medium firm tannins. Not too complex, but may open up a bit more with time. Good QPR.
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The tannins are softening, beautiful red color with some dark red fruit on the nose. Dark red fruit, and some earthiness with tannins and some grittiness. The tannins softened with some time.
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90+. Ridiculously tight upon opening, with iron clad tannins and a pronounced astringent bitterness. But really comes alive with prolonged exposure to air. Lively and grippy, almost racy, with bitter red and black fruits (currant, cranberry), bitter herbs (anise), graphite, meat, and even hints of flowers. Still not showing a lot, but was excellent with food (ribeye), and seems like there's a lot of upside potential. Question is whether there is enough fruit to ride it out. Enjoyable now, with a meal, and a long decant -- 3+ hours.
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Decanted for an hour or so. Definitely gets better with time. Dark fruit with somewhat biting tannins, but not overwhelming. Complex flavors underneath. Could use a couple of more years, but drinkable now. Excellent value for the money.
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From a 375 ml. This was a great bottle and quintessentially [QPR] bordeaux. This had the green pepper and gravelly bouquet profile, with the added bonus of some baking spice notes. It's been a while since I enjoyed one of these.
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I bough 18 bottles couple of years ago. This is my 8th bottle and for the 8th time I tell myself it needs more time as tanins are dominant. Will not touch next bottle for at least 8 months. Still, it is very enjoyable wine now and great all around qpr.
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Decent drinker - was surprised it showed this much so early. Decanted 6 hours but the first sip on opening was okay. A few more years wouldn't do any harm to this wine.
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Decanted for 4 hrs, still tight. Opened up next day, fruit showing & tannins softer. To me, not worth the time it takes to become drinkable, even though it was better the 2nd day
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IMO this bottle is not ready to drink at this point. Needs a few more years in the cellar as the fruit has yet to break through the heavy tannins that dominate.
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Had this last year, it was very flat and the tannis were sharp and tight. Popped a bottle tonight and let it decant for about an hour. The tannins are still sharp, but the fruit is at least competing now. Dense cherry, currant, licorice at the end, but still with a rounded bitter finish. Could definately use more time to improve some more. Could go as high as 90 in a few years if it loses the bitterness.
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Popped and poured. Aromatic but closed to palate. Austere with drying tannins. Crushed charcoal showing little fruit. Clearly would have shown better with extended air time and likely to improve with extended cellaring.
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I did not like it much at this stage... Still very tannic, good dark fruit upfront but it quickly transitions into this strange bitter taste (like cucumber peel). It did not improve much the next day, so maybe this bottle was flawed. Two other bottles I had before (almost a year ago) were much better.
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Decanted for about 4 hours. this was very dark red with that old world aromas of earth and red fruit. Remains tannic but the ripe red fruit came through. Happy that we have more so we can try some at different times and taste it as it ages. This should be good.
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much better than first bottle 6 months ago, clean ripe fruit with remarkable elegance and good structure,the wine threw off a good deal of sediment. This wine is not ready to drink yet, but is very promising. 88++ (note to self, do not touch)
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Smells and tastes like what it is, a young Bordeaux that needs more time. Sampled immediately after opening. Nose of ripe fruit and cedar. Tannins are very firm and at this point a bit too much for the fruit. Sampled again after 90 minutes. Tannins still have a tight grip but the fruit has come more forward. It's better after the added exposure.
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Very tannic upon opening. Double-vinturi'd and it softened up. Dark lush leathery silkiness midpalette with a decent finish. I think its shut down, but I love the graphite/ceder/earth of a quintessential left-bank bordeaux. Two more bottles left for the 5 years later. Still, despite a certain lack of fruit I love the texture and flavours ... 90. Day 3 - More fruit coming through and the best showing of this particular bottle. Tannins a lot more mellow, and the finish is wonderfully leathery and smokey. The last half glass of this forced me to upgrade it further. 91.
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Did a quick pop and pour, then decanted for a meal later on. The initial impression was somewhat expected, but a bit disappointing that it has yet to show much development. Quite tight on the nose, very tannic on the palate. We then had it with a pot roast about 90 min later. Much more approachable, but still quite raw, tight. Not much on the nose, but some subtle, but pleasant tart berry fruit on the palate, with a promising finish. Went well with the roast, providing enough body heft to match the meat and gravy. This wine has much more growing to do before becoming a good Bordeaux. Will revisit in a few years. Fingers are crossed.
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Typical of Bordeaux mixture, actually quite ready to drink as it is which is very balance and smooth rather , improved after 60 t0 90 minutes contact with atmospheric chemicals. Very subtle oak handle typically with aged barrels. Should be more enjoyable after 6-10 years time.
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initially tannic, tart and thin. It was set aside on kitchen counter to later pour down the drain, or use for cooking. Tasted the next day (30 hours later@ 72 room temp)-much, much better, dark cherry core and not nearly as tight, seems to get better and better sitting in the glass, a certain elegance is going on here, reminds me of Cantlemerle. but this wine will never be more than medium bodied. This wine is simply not ready at this point. Not even slightly oxidized. My best guess is, I wouldn't open this wine again for at least 5 years, as this needs time to evolve. judgement reserved.
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Dark black-red, slim red rim, 5½. Rather closed but promising nose, dark fruit and cask at first, after ½h also classic Haut-Medoc notes of pencil and cedar. Also closed in the mouth, but plenty of fruit and mellow tannins. Drink 2012-2020
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Not to bad esp considering its pre arrival price. Hints of dust and smoke on the nose with ripe fruit on the palate. This needed more time but it was from a 3L bottle. The 750's are probably drinking better right now. I have a 6L bottle that I will keep in the cellar for at least another 4-5 years.
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Opened initially on Wednesday night and had about half the bottle and then finished it Friday night. I wasn't sure how it would hold up sitting corked on the counter for a couple of days but it was still in great shape when I finished it. Looking back at my previous note, I think I was a little over-excited about this wine when I first had it last spring. It's a great value from a fantastic vintage but having had a few other 05s since then I would have to rate this a couple points lower in comparison to some of its peers.
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2005 Petit Bordeaux Tasting (Bell's Wine Shop): If I thought the Croix Mouton was eclectic, this wine is off the charts in terms of oddball! It was best described by Justin as wet socks on the nose. Bright fruit is there, but in a strange place. Daryl called it a wine that was like a downtown summer Baltimore night. Again, a very eclectic wine. 88FW+
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This was so much better on the second day. Note to self - always decant! Licorice and graphite on the nose, cherry on the palate, drying tannins but not too much. Delicious!
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NYE tasting, decanted for five hours. Hints of blackberry and black licorice on a subdued nose. Definitely a young wine with black currant and black licorice on the palate with very dry and slightly bitter (although integrated) tannins. Finishes with bitter chocolate and distinct Good N Plenty. Great QPR for a Bordeaux, and should be even better in about a year.
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Garnet color. Wild raspberry and rich cherry on the nose with sexy accents of tobacco, clove, and chocolate. Bright, yet full body of zingy red berries, sweet leather, bell pepper, and milk chocolate. Finish brings a mouthful of crushed gravel and gripping wooden tannins. Good length. Somewhat austere and tight right now. Needs to lay down for several more years. Very good potential.
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A bit thinner than my previous bottles, still tannic and slightly overwhelming the fruit. Still a very good drink though. Vacu-pumped and fridged ... and much better on day 2. Day 3 - similar to day 2 but seemed to have gained even more weight ... this one will keep for quite a while.
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Linking With Bordeaux (Wine Exchange - Orange, CA): Dark red color. Very interesting nose with aromas of fresh cherries and pomegranate yielding perhaps the most pure red fruit character of the tasting. Gorgeous cherry essence on the palate with good firm tannins and structure. Quite good and attractive for its purity of fruit.
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Yeasty, thin and terribly backward. This has shut down. Couldn't even finish a half-bottle so corked and refrigerated what was left. The next day it displayed a lovely cedar and ripe red fruit bouquet. It was very enjoyable. I think it's best to leave these alone for a while.
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This must have been a bad bottle. I don't think it was corked, maybe cooked?. The nose had red fruits and oak. The palate was thin and bitter. Just not very pleasant.
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Initially spoiled food nose developing into more of a doused campfire wood aroma; mushroomy, black fruit with hint of licorice. Earthy and composty; bracing tannins; recommend in a few years.
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Decanted and consumed over three hours. Notes of blackberry, coffee, chocolate and licorice. Closed down after a short while. Flavors of mocha and blackberry, but quite thin on the attack and through the midpalate. Finishes short with red fruit nuances.
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first night: muted nose, fruit well in the background to strong tannins, better with food, but needs more air or cellaring. Will finish the bottle tomorrow and hope that this is just a very young wine; not a whole lot more open on the second night at first, with a bit more fruit and mellowing tannins after an hour. Will wait some time to open another bottle.
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decanted for an hour, tannins not nearly as harsh as I would expect. nice fruit and just a bit of hotness, the other 5 will sit for years but wanted to get an idea of the characters- current, cherry, fruit forward, tobacco and leather. I'm very happy with this wine and can't wait to try it in a few years.
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Drank a glass with cheese before dinner while the rest of the bottles sits in the decanter. A muted but promising nose, with red fruit and berries. Without food the tannins seemed harsh and bitter, but the cheese seemed to soften the wine. Decent QPR and an enjoyable wine, though not a "must-buy-a-case."
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Drank a half bottle over the course of 2 or 3 hours after opening. It kept getting better and better with time but the small bottle didn't last long enough to really develop. What was clear was that this will be a very, very good wine in 5 or 10 years.
50+5+11+16+7=89
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Opened and decanted about 4 hours before double decanting back into the bottle and serving 1 hour later. Dark garnet to purple color in the glass, fairly clear hue throughout. Nose of fennel up front with some added notes of berries. Mostly singular flavors of berries on the palate at the moment. Medium acidity, medium to firm tannins, medium body. Hold.
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Excellent QPR. Very smooth, nice tannins, finishing taste of leather in mouth, quite drinkable now but may improve with age. Please recommend other French Bordeaux as good or better at this price range!
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dark, thick purple color, very dry, good structure and tannins, chocolate, coffee nose and flavors, fruit closed, unsure if fruit will out last tannins, excellent value
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Opened and had a glass Thursday, and was disappointed given the pleasant experience we'd had a few months ago. Most notable was bitter tannins and almost sour fruit. Stopped at a glass. We finished the bottle Friday night, and it was almost as good as the April bottle, cherry fruit, currant, with decent structure. Outstanding for a $14 bottle, but price-blind you wouldn't get excited about it. This bottle also erased my notion that there might be improvement here with age. Nope, not likely. Decanting will help in the near term, but I wouldn't hold these. Score based mostly on second day.
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A little funky on opening, but after two hours it reached its potential (for now). Not exactly complex but really good fruit and balance. Mouth-coating fullness, good mid-palette and the tannins don't stand out like the other 05 Bordeauxs that I've had. Only the muted finish prevented my giving it a 90, but give it a few years and I'm sure it'll improve.
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yuck!! thin, devoid of fruit or any other redeeming qualities. on the plus side I can say it was a liquid, and the drain did not disintegrate as it made it's way through the pipes.
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From a 375 ml bottle. Cork stained pretty good on the outside but no signs of leaking. Bright red. Strong bouquet of crushed berries dominant. Actually smells juicy. Notes of dusty gravel and green bell pepper. Decent mid-palate and finish for what it is. Traces of oak. Tannins have good grip. Goes nice with a meal.
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From a 375 ml bought from the store. Sticky residue on the seal might indicate early signs of leakage. Bright red. Nose of crushed berries upon opening but then restrained. A little tart. Dry tannins. I've had better bottles of this but still not bad.
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Testing the water in June 2008. Classic Bordeaux flavors. One note at this point, but seemed to have potential for positive evolution. My next try won't be for a few years.
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89+ Day 1: Decanted for 1.5 hrs. Dark fruit, coffee, meat, with oak and herbal notes . Moderate tannins, and moderate to low acidity. Medium-full bodied. Open knit, and rather loosely structured. Fairly well balanced, but not particularly interesting or expressive. Nice with food (lamb chops). Low on character and terroir. Good for the price, but nothing really exceptional about it. Not sure how much this will improve with bottle age. We'll see. Day 2: Wow! SOO much better. Ripe, dark berries really coming to the fore now. Coffee and toast hover in the background, along with occasional whiffs of minerals and flowers. Tannins seem way more powerful and chewy, giving the wine more weight and more persistence on the finish. Grips and coats the palate. Acidity seems more vibrant as well (although still moderate). Virtually a different wine tonight. Overall, better balanced, better integrated, better structured. Not sure why this is showing so much better and so differently. (Perhaps the food from last night overpowered the wine, both aromatically and on the palate.... Perhaps it just needed aeration....) This WILL improve. 88 on day 1. 90 on day 2.
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Decanted 2 hours. Nice dark purple medium bodied wine. Nose of blackberry, cassis - palate of the same but somewhat hidden by tannins. Good acidity, medium-long finish. Finished the rest 2 days latter - nose of blackberry, cassis, and floral notes; palate of the same - tannins somewhat resolved but still drying (not unpleasant). Overall a very nice bottle - will try and wait a few years to open the next.
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Deep ruby robe with red rim. Clean nose, showing moderately intense aromas of coffee, black cherry and licorice. Full-bodied on the palate, with medium acidity and quite coarse tannins. The flavors follow the nose. Medium, very coarse finish. Short-term cellaring is in order. This wine is a disappointment at $24, but the CellarTracker notes make it very clear that I did not do well on the price. Had the wine been $15, I would have been much happier. Drink 1/10-12/16.
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It turned out to be a night of young, low priced, 2005 Bordeaux. Prior to opening this bottle we opened a 2005 Chateau Dubourg, a tiny St. Emilion producer. While that wine was pretty good and showed a lot of character for a value priced 2005, this wine (at the same price) outshone it by quite a bit. The Caronne Ste. Gemme shows amazing quality for a Cru Bourgeios at $14 a bottle. It does take some time to unwind itself but when it does it shows good fruit and with a nice bit of acidity and firm tannins. However, you must keep in mind that you are drinking $14 Bordeaux so don't think that this is going to blow your socks off but it is better then some similar wines at twice the price.
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Did not decant. Nice QPR. Needs about an hour or two of air to help resolve some of the tannins, but drinking well now. Somewhat simple but a nice quaffer and good value.
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Bright purple fruit with high acid and tight tannins. Lots of middle palate, but a bit lacking in deeper dark flavors. Very pretty, somewhat delicate with a light feeling in the mouth. Pure, clean. Plenty of fruit, but not a blockbuster. Finishes with some leather and oak. Nice. B/B-
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Opened and drank over two days. Approachable for an '05 - just give it some air. Some dark fruits, but it's mostly earthy notes/tobacco now. Pretty chewy tannins...austere? Not a standout, but definitely good for what it is.
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gorgeous nose, great balance of earth fruit tobacco and pyrazine. balance freshness and concentration. more traditional than others at this price point.
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gorgeous nose, great balance of earth fruit tobacco and pyrazine. balance freshness and concentration. more traditional than others at this price point.
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Really liked this for the price. Nice cherry and red fruit on the palate with mineral and some pencil shavings. Tannins were a little rough but resolved with time. Decent finish. Great deal for $15.
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Decanted for 4 hours and drank over the next 2. At the end you could really get a sense of where this wine is going. Great fruit, but still quite tannic. I thought the acidity level was fine. Very long espresso tasting finish. For $14 from Bordeaux in 2005, you will not find a better deal. I wish I had the space to keep a case for 5-10 years.
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Pleasantly open nose of ripe dark fruit, spice and oak. Solid core of fruit on the palate, nice balance and structure for med-long term aging. Great QPR at under $15.
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Very restrained nose. It was rather unexciting and plain. Did not have that much fruit depth or bordeaux-like quality. The Lanessan I had last week was so much better. Maybe it's just not my kind of wine.
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Bought for $17 at local costco and consumed that night. This is an unflawed, but otherwise unremarkable wine. Smooth and easy drinking but really doesn't seem anything interesting going on. Would buy for a party wine or bbq wine. No idea if this will improve as it doesn't have much structure to speak of either. Just a tiny hint of bordeaux character on the nose and on the finish (earth, pencil lead) otherwise a simple wine with no real sense of place.
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Tasted at opening, after 2 hours, after 4 hours. It continued softening and rounding. Black cherries, mild pepper, and cedar. Solid tannic structure. The initial heat blew off, leaving one impression: the 2005 vintage clearly yielded amazing fruit! Silky, crystal purity of fruit. And at only $14? I'm going to buy a few more and lay them down for 5-10 years. If this is what distinguishes the 2005 Bordeaux vintage, intense deep fruit from first growths all the way down, then I'm glad I've been stocking up.
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2+ hr decant cycle in wide-base; deep-purple color and fairly heavy in the glass. At this point, the nose is pretty closed; I get some dark cherry, white pepper, green olives... Nice acid on tip-of-tongue entry; there's something here that's trying to grab the tip of my tongue, a bit of numbing sensation, which I like. Dark but vibrant fruit on the mid-palate with essentiating dark-chocolate aspects on the finish. The finish is dusty (coats the front teeth) with some drying tannins, and it is of good length. This wine is sure to evolve through the night. (Only got better with time. Very mouth-coating and heavy. Extremely nice pairing to my French cuisine tonight.
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nice earthy nose. bit harsh but not atypical of young left bank bordeaux. decanted for 1.5 hrs and softened a bit. but key was price. a $15 '05 bordeaux. needed nice steak.
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While it doesn't possess all the power and finish of the classified growths, this was really pretty remarkable. Round, ripe cherry and currant fruit, slate/graphite minerality. It's got tannins that are a little harsh right now, but they make it the most firmly structured $14 wine I've ever had, suggesting it might actually improve in a couple years. 89+
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Once again outstanding. I know this is ridiculous to be opening right now, but these 2005 Bordeaux are wonderful. From 375 mL, deep purple color to the rim. Nose of black currant, blackberries, herbs, and sweet tobacco. Great, power packed palate with loads of dark fruits, herbs, and earth. Very balanced, with good acidity, huge tannin, but not at all hot. Blockbuster. Better than the 2005 Chateau Corbin, so far.
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Dark fruit nose. Tastes of blackcurrant, blackberries, cherries, liquorice and graphite with a touch of green bell pepper. Very well balanced with refreshing acidity. Possessing some green tannins. Nice fruit forward finish. Very approachable compared to most of the top 2005s. Solid Bordeaux and a great QPR.
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Received my case today and wanted to open it up and see what I might be in for down the road. I decanted for 4 hours initially before tasting. Looks like a monster in color; beautiful deep inky purple. Initially significant heat on the nose with subtle sour cherry, berries and minerals. The heat made the sour cherry and berries seem as if they were macerated in brandy. Very little earthiness, not at all what one might expect from a Bordeaux. This baby is tight and holding back at this early age. My wife actually said the nose was almost undetectable. There are dry tannins galore and light fruit on the palate; cherries all going in different directions making it difficult to discern; likely due to its infancy. There is a lot going on but not cohesive; it just hasn’t come together yet. It was silky smooth with a wonderful finish that lingered a bit but not long. Opened up a bit in the 5-6 hour range and closed back down around hour 8. This is going to be something special after 10-15 years. A promising Bordeaux and given the strength of the 05 vintage it is likely to blow up once mature. Amazing for the price point and proper ageing will bring this wine into its own. If its an indication of how good the 05 will be in the better wines there is little doubt the vintage will live up to the hype.
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Tight, dark berry, plum, dried cherry fruit.....dry tannin, yet smooth, giving up some nice dark chocolate, black licorice, floral violets, old leather. Gives you a little snapshot of a good Bordeaux, in an easy drinking, tasty simple way....yet has a great structure for more. For $13....INSANE QPR! ++pts
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Decanted 2 hrs. from a 375 mL bottle. Deep, opaque purple color to the rim. Wow, these 2005s even look like blockbusters. I don't remember the tasting note that well right now, but both Camille and I were astounded by the quality of this Cru Bourgeois, and would recommend stocking up on wines like this while waiting the 15+ years on the classified growths. This was great wine at a great price. 90-91 points, but will reserve judgement until another bottle.
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The other wine we tasted, next to the Ch Pipeau - so we had a right bank bordeaux, and this one is a left bank bordeaux. In the beginning, this was closed, hard to drink, very tannic and has an astringent taste. After it was left to breathe for a while
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Loads of fruit, loads of tannin. Bits of mocha, green pepper, and vanilla bean, along with high-toned red fruits. Plenty of structure, plenty of depth. Given the price, I see no reason not to be optimistic about this wine.
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This wine was a bit of a rollercoaster. At first it was a bit closed, although the nose was nice showing plum, berries, and cedar. Then the palate opened up into this great blend of berries, oak, and cedar, with a fairly smooth finish. Then it closed up even tighter than the first glass, but became quite tannic on the finish. By the last bit (about 2 1/2 hours later), it found a middle ground and was quite enjoyable. At the price who wants to lay this down, but as long as it can figure out what it wants to be when it grows up, it definitely has the build to improve with some time in the bottle.
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Inky red purple. A little fruit and berrty on the nose, but pretty closed. Nice fruit on the palette. Better than expected. Tannins a bit harsh and astringent. Potential for it to be a very decent wine. Will wait at least a year before resampling.
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A major--and much welcome--change in style for this Q/P king of the left bank. Whereas in the past Caronne was always robust/rustical, now it is modern/classical. Whereas in the past, we had oily black berries, now we have lifted red berries. Whereas in the past the tannins were unresolved in the first 5 years, now they are nicely integrated. Lovely color, thick, concentrated, smooth: weak nose, but strong palate of red berries, chocolate, and vanilla. One of the best 05 cru bourgois tasted so far by me.
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closed as hell. nothing going on here. even with 4+ hours. second day, nothing as well. will let my case rest for at least 3 years! no score given. if i must we're talking in the 70's
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Lots of Bordeaux cru bourgeois typicity to this wine. Deep ruby color, classic graphite and cedar nose, restrained currant fruit and pencil lead on the palate. Good structure and reasonble but not overwhelming tannins. Over time it developed a bit of sour cherry flavor and slightly drying tannins. A bit more austere than I expected from such a young '05, but perhaps that's a product of the tannins. Suspect this may round out and improve over time. Very pleasing cru bourgeois Bordeaux.
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I bought another 375 mL just to confirm my initial impression. The wine showed even better. The recent spike in Bordeaux prices just sent the 750 mL bottle over $20. I should have bought more dammit. Anyway, I had this open longer than the first time. It's just classic Bordeaux. Notes are similar to the first bottle - blackberry, vanilla, a little bit of currant, and lots of chocolate but also showing a little more vegetables than before. This is the real deal. Great showing for this chateau.
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decanted overnight. still very closed nose, tannic mouthfeel. Some nice sour cherry in the mouth. Needs time, could consider rescoring in a few years, but in my opinion hard to really see (see below) what everyone is so excited about here...
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nice nose when popped. deep purple color. not giving anything on first taste. 3 hours of air and it's coming to life. looks and tastes like a serious bordeaux wine. good structure but not much depth to the fruit. better on the second night but didn't last long. a very good wine that needs some time.
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89+. Deep purplish-ruby. Reticent on the nose: a little vanilla-scented wood, some heat, earthiness which blows off quickly, some light berry fruit peaking through, hints of chocolate and minerals. Nice bright fruit on the palate -- surprisingly tending more towards red than black: lots of sour cherries, some boysenberry and raspberry. Quite lively acidity. Smooth, silky, racy and elegant. Very fine tannins. Subtle, but lingering, finish. With ample aeration, the chocolate character really starts to emerge, especially on the finish. This wine feels tight and closed now, maybe even a tad acidic. But certainly not austere. There's great concentration of fruit underneath, and there appears to be plenty of structure for the medium to long haul. Good value. DECANT. (Incidentally, I had the '05 Clos Chaumont last night, which I feel is drinking better now (richer, riper, broader), but I think this Caronne may in the end develop into the finer wine.) Hard to believe these "minor" appellations are performing so well. What a vintage!
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This is actually an 89-90 for me. I've had the last few vintages of this cru bourgeois and this one is by far the best. If this is any indication of how good 05 Bordeaux really is, I can't imagine what the top wines must be like. But who cares, when you can get pleasure at this price point. This wine is still rediculously young. The first hour or so it gives almost nothing on the nose, just a hint of wood. But then it starts to open up nicely. The nose has that great Bordeaux stink that turns my wife's nose up, but also wonderful vanilla aromas as well. The palette gains weight with air, showing sweet blackberry, transitioning to a very obvious, rich chocolate that stretches out on the finish. This wine is richer and fuller than in previous vintages. At this price point, it just can't hurt to stash some of this away.
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4/21/2024 - Time traveller Likes this wine: 91 Points
Drank this one 6 months after the last. Starting to fade just a smidgen, but still has a great nose, round mouthfeel, and superb long lasting finish. Some sentiment so be cautious when handling.
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4/15/2024 - pinoteer Likes this wine: 90 Points
Can't believe how well this drinks for an 18 y.o., under-the-radar Brdx, with a humble price. Last bottle from two cases purchased en premier.
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3/10/2024 - Somm David T Likes this wine: 92 Points
Rounding up from 91.6.
Allen Brothers Lamb Lollipops and the 05 vintage from Bordeaux.
The 2005 vintage was magical w/ star producers. Very good with the lesser regions like Caronne.
Pretty sure I paid around $25 for this give or take.
The entry is round, lush & rich. Blackberries, black raspberries, black plum, dark cherries and poached strawberries. Dark rich earth, moist clay, lead pencil, tobacco/cigar ash, used leather, dry river stone, dark chocolate cooking bar, black licorice, limestone powder, dry herbs, very light baking spices, dark, red, purple withering flowers, round acidity, balanced, highly structured & tensioned finish that lasts a minute.
This could actually use some more time in bottle, 3-5 yrs.
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12/13/2023 - GGinSF wrote: 87 Points
Very good value. Drinking well, but probably at its peak. On the dry side, but still enough fruit.
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10/6/2023 - Time traveller Likes this wine: 92 Points
I not only like it, I like it a lot! This 18 year old bourgeois has rounded third and is heading into home with a head first slide. Tannins are perfectly integrated and the nose on this wine is intoxicating, to say the least. Dark fruits, filled my mouth with a leathery red licorice that was hard to swallow all too fast. The beautiful finish lingers for minutes and makes this impossible drink too fast. Open it, let it breathe a bit, and take your time with this one. Sooo glad I have a few left which will serve me well in the future. What a wonderful french Bordeaux value!
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6/18/2023 - the shrub wrote: 92 Points
Best bottle of Bordeaux for some time. Great secondary flavour profile
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3/24/2023 - Julian Marshall Likes this wine: 91 Points
Three years after my last one, this was back on form. The tannins have now receded, leaving some elegant notes of blackberry and cherry, not unlike a fully mature example of Boyd-Cantenac at a third of the price or less. I wouldn't say the fruit is quite what it was, but what's left should last quite a bit longer. Great value at 11 euros.
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3/17/2023 - Will Devize wrote: 88 Points
Took 2 hours in the decanter to really open up. This is smart and restrained with a little bit of menthol over some gorgeous raspberry and cherry fruits. Aromatics really packing a punch. The palate is not quite as well composed and there is a hint of flab on the end. Perhaps a year or two over the hill but the stately nose is a treat in itself.
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2/7/2023 - swiftr Likes this wine: 87 Points
More fruit & depth comes through an hour or more after decanting. Mature but still in good condition. A very good, classical mid-range claret. Not a great wine but just what I hope for in a cru bourgeois.
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1/9/2023 - swiftr Likes this wine: 86 Points
Now fully mature. Considerable deposit, so needs decanting. A bit short of nose and fruit at first, but it comes through after a water biscuit. A good food wine, possibly past its best.
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9/21/2022 - RichEB1 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Solid! In a nice middle-aged spot with enough fruit but also some secondary notes of leather and tobacco. The only issue is that there is still a substantial amount of tannins on the finish, which I fear will outlive the fruit. I will drink my remaining bottles over the next few years.
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9/3/2022 - Way hey Likes this wine: 90 Points
Complex with forward notes of berry and oak. Pleasant finish in spite of age.
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9/1/2022 - Kentw wrote: 88 Points
Similar to my last note in 2019. Just make sure you aerate for an hour or more. Has become a decent full-bodied drinker, but not spectacular. My last bottle.
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8/5/2022 - MarkLA wrote: 87 Points
Menthol, mushroom/forest floor, fig, dark berries, mint, and cedar. Light/medium bodied with dark berries and med/plus acidity. Minty, menthol finish with some cigar ash and grippy tannin. Gains sweetness with aeration but still a little hard at the time of this note.
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6/3/2022 - ItalianoWino wrote: 86 Points
The immediate taste is a very tart bitterness on the palate, followed by firm tannins. The most prominent note is like the scent you would get from a moldy or musky smell usually occurring from the inside of an old wet wooden boat.
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3/2/2022 - swiftr Likes this wine: 89 Points
Still in very good condition, though obviously mature. Enough fruit to balance the soft tannins and decent length and complexity. It developed a bit more in the glass after decanting (only a slight deposit). Not really intense, but a classic medium-bodied Bordeaux. I’m relieved since I found another full case in the cellar.
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2/7/2022 - Zweder wrote: 88 Points
Gang of 4 in Covid19 times; Haut Medoc (@ RW): Plums and dark berries, vanilla and oak in the bouquet. On the palate red and dark berries, herbs, red bell pepper, a firm amount of bitterness and fresh acidity. Mature now and it will stay on this level for some years.
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1/29/2022 - llink wrote: 88 Points
Popped and poured. Earthy nose of cedar, blackberries and beef blood. Deep but austere palate, saline and drying tannins. Seems to have years of life ahead of it.
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11/25/2021 - Bordhead2000 wrote:
Blood, rainwater and dusty blackberries filtered through a stone.
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10/10/2021 - JCH2019 wrote: 89 Points
Very nice. Couldn't resist with beouf bourginone. Ah well.
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8/23/2021 - bordeauxman777 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Fully matured now. It is in rather fragile state now as it declined rapidly when tasted next day. However, it is powerful, concentrated and delicious wine. Drink up! Lovely
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7/1/2021 - paulst Likes this wine: 88 Points
Light nose; raspberry; still tannic; light raspberry finish.
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4/17/2021 - JCH2019 wrote: 88 Points
Very nice. Caramel and cinnamon on the fruit nose; still good levels of fruit in the mouth with pencil shavings, spice and plum. Good acidity and still some tannin, doesn't drink as if it was past its end date. I think it has another couple of years at least. Perhaps I'll forget about my other bottles for a while.....
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4/15/2021 - brh_wine Likes this wine: 90 Points
Developing nicely, dark purple color, good nose, drinking and aging well. All around good wine.
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11/10/2020 - Julian Marshall wrote: 87 Points
Not quite as good as I hoped. The attack is wonderfully fresh with elegant dark cherry, the blackcurrant middle section is fine too, but just as I thought it had turned out well, the tannins grabbed hold of the finish, rising to the top of the palate and leaving a very clear imprint. The impression is not totally unpleasant, but its a rather disjointed wine. What is worrying is that the tannins are a lot more angular now than a few years ago.
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10/24/2020 - BoireBio Likes this wine:
17,5/20 Excellent. 6e et dernière bouteille que je redresse depuis 2011. Celle-ci offrait des teintes évoluées vers le marron avec de beaux reflets orangés. Au nez : du bois et de la boule à mite..... bon, mais en bouche, ça s’exclame devant cette structure au texturé bien profond. Voilà le Bordeaux comme je l’aime. Il peut parfois nous offrir de belles surprises sans nécessairement devoir vider le CELI ou le REER. Offert chez Vintage chez nos voisins ontariens à 21,85$ en primeur, il se vend autour de 75$ maintenant chez un bin caviste de New-York.
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8/2/2020 - brucealpert Likes this wine: 91 Points
Lovely, well balanced. Soft fruit (banana?) and nice tannins on back end.
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7/25/2020 - the shrub wrote: 80 Points
Too tannic. Maybe too old or too young!
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6/17/2020 - RKatzDO wrote: flawed
Slightly corked.
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5/27/2020 - MonarchB Likes this wine: 90 Points
I enjoyed finding it in the cellar. PNP only one qtr of the bottle. Full body with dark fruit and leather notes. Interested to see what overnight air will bring. Great QPR IMO
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3/15/2020 - pinoteer Likes this wine: 91 Points
Bottle no. 22, of 24 purchased, is still drinking very nice. Still plenty of tannin structure and good fruit. Best with about a 2 hr. decant. It tends to get drier and a little more austere at 4 hours. I'm tempted to hide the last bottle for another 5 years and see what happens.
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12/3/2019 - JohnTelford wrote: 87 Points
Not much to say. Perfect cork, well stored bottle, 1hr decant....and nothing. Beautiful garnet color, some signs of aging....and nothing. Almost like this was in some "dumb" phase. There was no real brightness to this wine on the palate-----a good comparison was th 05 charmail I had recently that was beautiful, bright, tart, and mouthwatering. But the Caronne---nothing.
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11/29/2019 - chatters wrote:
Lovely 'classic' claret nose; brambles, blackcurrant, earth, leather, sous bois, cigar box, slight redcurrant sourness, woody spice. in the mouth the wine has medium plus intensity acid and tannins that are leathery and dry out the palate a little . Red and black fruit persist joined by a little clove and aniseed. Yum.
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10/7/2019 - Kentw wrote: 88 Points
Used latest Aervana at max level into a venturi to decant. Still needed about 30 mins to settle down. Not much barnyard funk as in previous bottles and aeration helped. Strong mid palate acidity and some dry finishing tannin that dissipates with more air. Decent drinker with a mix of red and black fruit with dry currant notes. Suggest decanting for 2-3 hours if you don’t aerate.
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7/7/2019 - Hi-Ho-Silver wrote: 92 Points
Our last bottle and it is better than ever
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6/27/2019 - df1962 wrote: 91 Points
Wine Boys - 2005 Bordeaux plus some Ringers: PnD 2/3 of the bottle. Let air for 1hr.
Tasted blind.
Clear medium garnet.
Ashy plum blackberyy nose.
Chewy cassis blackberry raspberrycough drop and rosemary on the palate. Really nice.
Remainder of the bottle waaaay better three days later (93pts). Wish I had more.
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4/11/2019 - paulst Likes this wine: 92 Points
Blackberry; deep and dark; still tannic; needs 10 years; nice finish, but some tannins.
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4/5/2019 - Dj6544 wrote: 90 Points
Gravel, old wooden chest, a blast of slightly bretty meat and aged blackcurrant liqueur. A very soft entry (this is fully mature), easy drinking and refreshing mid palate and tinglingly bitter mint and liquorice finish. I love wines like this; overachieving, full of complexity.
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4/3/2019 - djdaqm Likes this wine: 88 Points
Generally unimpressive. Shows the slightest bit of age, but there doesn't seem much to work with. I don't see this improving with more age either.
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3/22/2019 - RandyAboutWine Likes this wine: 91 Points
This wine has entered a new phase of expression. Even better than two previous tastings, with a broad, aromatic nose and rich flavors. Unfortunately, it was consumed at a restaurant and I have no notes. Always a great value, 2005 was special. Try it now if you haven't tasted it recently.
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3/4/2019 - pawine Likes this wine: 92 Points
Drinking great out of a magnum. Sme secondary flavors. Will go another five plus.
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1/15/2019 - asgerG wrote: 90 Points
Holding well
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1/7/2019 - 818wines Does not like this wine: 83 Points
Very green.
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11/21/2018 - chatters wrote:
Lunch with Peter (Fix St. James, 111 Elizabeth Street, Sydney): From Coravin. Brambles and plums, biscuit, a little 'wet' sweet spice, cream, a little leather, smells 'fresh'. And so it proves on the palate. Lovely lunchtime Claret. Fruit a little muted but present, tannic grip on the mid palate. Medium plus length. Really hitting it's straps. Great entry level Haut Medoc from a great vintage in a great spot.
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11/11/2018 - Kentw wrote: 88 Points
Full body and dry. Still with lots of acidity in mid palate with noticeable tannin. Deep merlot and cab franc flavor profile but fruits notes are muted behind licorice. Some barnyard notes that dissipated over an hour. Good with food but somewhat intense on its own. Keep getting mixed results with every bottle at this stage. Good for those who like intense, dry, licorice spiked notes.
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9/30/2018 - thebonnydooner wrote: 91 Points
Another very similar showing to the one three + years ago. Still comes across as fresh and lively, sweet currant and plum fruit, juicy tannins and nice acidity this was a lovely wine to have with a meal. Nice long finish. Probably could have lasted a few more years but drinking great now.
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9/29/2018 - PMHouser Likes this wine: 93 Points
Had a second bottle of this wine and I think it was better than the first one I had two years ago. What a pleasant surprise.
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8/12/2018 - DollarMenunaire wrote:
Showed better with more stuffing than 2 years ago. Good purity but still a bit drying on the finish
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5/13/2018 - redwhiteandrich Likes this wine: 88 Points
From magnum.
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5/6/2018 - andreel Likes this wine: 91 Points
Very nice wine, especially after it had time to breath. Taste mature but has a lot of tannins and structure so no rush to drink it.
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4/17/2018 - chatters wrote:
Coravin fun - Cornas and Bordeaux (My place, Kent Street): From Coravin. Ripe blackcurrant, graphite, cedar, a little caramel, forest floor and leather. Juicy, rich but not quite as ripe on the palate, similar flavours to the nose - some leather, blackcurrant - and tight but integrated tannins that finish a little astringently. Nice though.
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3/26/2018 - prism wrote: 86 Points
Used some for cooking. Slightly corky, though drinkable. Licorice and woodsmoke, not much fruit. Seems like the ingredients are there, but this is just a miss. Tastes like middling Bordeaux Superieur, but at twice the price. Third of three bottles; glad to be done with these.
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3/24/2018 - Mtz Tom Likes this wine: 87 Points
This bottle was pretty good. Better the first day, a little tannic on day 2 with the bottom half bottle. Probably could use a little more time.
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2/3/2018 - Chapel Likes this wine: 90 Points
Opened and initial was tight. Put cork back on loosely and 24 hours later, it unwound and body developed. Light to medium, mild berry, food accomdating
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1/22/2018 - Mtz Tom Likes this wine: 88 Points
Day 1 after being open an hour it was ok - a little dry and tannic still. Day 2 it was much better - with cigar box on the nose and velvety moth feel. It is more mineral than fruity. Some very dark cherry, maybe some almonds and cocoa powder flavor and a slightly tannic finish.
Let it breath a while up front and you should enjoy it.
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1/22/2018 - IlonaN wrote: 88 Points
Nice mid-level bordeaux with all the typical features--some graphite, some cassis, some smoke, some earth.
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1/3/2018 - billyb wrote:
Very good after an hour even without food. Half bottle seemed like a waste.
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1/3/2018 - Magnolian Likes this wine: 87 Points
Not a ton of fruit left but still enjoyable
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1/1/2018 - Eudemis Likes this wine:
13.5% alcohol. Good cork with virtually no wine penetration. Decanted for a short 30mn due to unforeseen circumstances.
The colour is deep with no sign of evolution. The wine is a bit stern and sullen initially, but I take the blame because of the short decanting; I am basing these notes on a post-prandial glass. Harmonious nose with cherries in evidence. The mouth is on the same lines, with mid weight and commendable liveliness. This can still improve for a couple of years, I think. As far as I can remember, the 2009 is even better (two notches up, I would say), and actually more ready too.
A safe bet, and a repeat purchase.
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12/15/2017 - BoireBio wrote:
16/20
Il me reste une bouteille et elle peut vieillir encore.
Marron, brun, sombre. Nez évolué, tertiaire.
Bouche suave, notes fruités (pruneaux), tanins encore rudes.
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12/2/2017 - Primordialsoup Likes this wine: 90 Points
I see a $14.95 auction price for this and have to say I'd buy a case at that price. Well aged and drinking very well alone and with filet. Last bottle which is too bad as I think there are several more years left in this one.
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11/18/2017 - petec-s Likes this wine: 88 Points
Dense flavourful claret. Showing almost no age as yet, ready and open but time in hand. Cassis beneath the tannin. Good fun.
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11/1/2017 - Julian Marshall Likes this wine: 92 Points
Coming soon after the 2010 I tasted recently, I suspected I may have overrated this, but not at all - it is slightly better. The fruit is darker, leaning firmly towards forest fruits. It needs time to open fully - it was much better on the second day. There are still slightly bitter tannins which need air to relax and melt into the background, allowing the fruit to come forward in the mix. The style is similar to that of Brane Cantenac and this would give many CCs a run for their money.
Like the 2010, there is a sleekness to the taste that probably began at the estate with this vintage. It's very impressive and an excellent QPR.
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10/28/2017 - Kentw wrote: 86 Points
Pop and drank. Funky barnyard notes never went away even after an hour and detracted from the experience. Not as good as last bottle.
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10/22/2017 - ron m wrote:
Solid, a bit on the ripe side. Drinking well and will for a while. Good value.
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10/22/2017 - vinole wrote: 89 Points
Finally was truly ready, with the tannins fully resolved and the hardness gone. The 05 Bordeaux vintage has required even $16 wines to age 12 years. I would venture this is at peak now.
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10/22/2017 - kpenning wrote: 89 Points
I will guess the drinking window is longer than estimated...maybe 2020.
I have a few more bottles to test. This one is still alive with no sign of decline. No bret. good stewed fruit and a lot of rustic forest. I am so pleased I purchased a bunch of this one for $18 a bottle.
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10/18/2017 - jonahfactor Likes this wine:
A step up from our previous tasting two years ago. But it’s still time to pop these. Color was good, but a metallic tinge in the bouquet. Fruit has dropped out almost completely, leaving graphite, campfire ash and forest leaves. Short, but pleasant, finish. Drink up.
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10/12/2017 - cse Likes this wine: 89 Points
fine everyday bordeaux and still drinking very well.
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8/5/2017 - Kentw Likes this wine: 89 Points
This is finally coming around. Full body, intense with good acidity in the mid palate. More balanced than a year ago. Taste of currants and black fruits. Finishes with some drying tannin but not excessive. Good food wine with a solid porterhouse steak or similar meats. I think it has just started to peak and has a few more good years left. 89+
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7/29/2017 - Whine-oh wrote: 88 Points
Popped in poured tonight. Had with grilled tri-tip. Match along side and 05 Caumus. Worlds apart. This is much more subtle and earthy and its complexity. No sharp edges. Nice consistent Bordeaux. So much different than I remember tasting it upon release.
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5/26/2017 - chatters wrote:
decanted and left for 90 minutes. On the nose plenty of primary blackcurrand bramble fruit with cream, cpice and a slight dustiness (hmm, could be the glass) there are touches of leather and tarragon as well. In the mouth it's wet, savoury black fruit and the acidity notes on the savoury, slightly drying floury tannins. The finish is marginally astringent with leather and tarragon notes as well. By itself this bottles seems to lack a little generosity but with rack of lamb it shines
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5/19/2017 - mark_m_owen wrote: 89 Points
Generally as per last TN. Improves with air. Tannins a touch sweet even.
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4/30/2017 - df1962 Likes this wine: 91 Points
PnD 2/3 of the bottle let air for 2hrs. Deep garnet purple dense but not opaque with plum to clear rim. Cassis plum rosemary tobacco and fig on the nose. Medium weight with ripe cherry skin and nicely steeped black tea tannins. Cassis plum fig fennel rosemary tobacco and a touch of tar on the palate. Very dry on the finish with cassis and herbs. Still young but in a bit of an in between phase. Would not let air for so long with my next bottle.
Day 2. Rest of the bottle that had not been exposed to air was fresher with more fruit. +1 pt. Confirmed initial note that this does not need a lot of air.
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4/26/2017 - prism wrote: 89 Points
This has turned into a decent example of Haut-Medoc in the 39 months or so since I last sampled it. Earthy, some black licorice, subtle black fruit, a little wood smoke. Puts on a little weight with air. Not special but serviceable. Drink or hold.
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3/4/2017 - Wine Poor wrote: flawed
Testing out the new Coravin, so didn't actually pull the cork on this.
Whereas one would normally be careful while decanting a bottle like this, i was caught up in following the instructions for the new tool and I must have had too much tilt on the bottle because I got some sediment in the wine. Oops.
Anyway , an enjoyable Bordeaux that is drinking well now.
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2/24/2017 - pinoteer Likes this wine: 91 Points
Drank last night. This is the best bottle yet, and living up to its lofty 91 pt WS score. It was ready to drink about an hour after decanting, but was even more velvety 2-3 hours later. Wonderful balance with luscious red and black fruit (plum and cherry), plus chocolate, vanilla, earth, and herbal notes. Enough tannins to hold this for another 5+ years, but it's in its prime drinking window now. Glad that I still have a case of this. At the $13 price point, this is a fabulous any-night Bordeaux.
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2/17/2017 - mark_m_owen wrote: 89 Points
This showed very well - rich fruit, a touch sweet on nose and initial taste, medium body and finish. Tannins are not at all coarse and providing some structure. Forest notes, cedar and leather, even a touch of liquorice. Pleasantly surprised. Some life left as the fruit does not appear to be on the wane.
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1/30/2017 - MLipton wrote:
A classic bottle of mid-weight claret. Lots of herbal, leather ad earthy notes in the nose, dark fruits on the palate, good structure and a bit of backend coarseness from some fine-grained tannins. A great pairing with roast leg of lamb on a cold winter night.
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1/26/2017 - Julian Marshall Likes this wine: 92 Points
Vibrant, with well-defined blackcurrant and forest fruits, a sleekness to the body and a lifting finish. Excellent
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12/18/2016 - MarkLA wrote:
Strong aromas of creosote & black tea, with some notes of crunchy black cherry, & herbes. The finish is still astringent on the first day. 12 hours yields a more drinkable wine. Recommend some aeration prior to drinking and a decanting of the sediment. The last sip offers some cedar, savory licorice, and a clean, balanced finish. Still on the upslope, I believe.
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11/27/2016 - pgm wrote: 89 Points
Nice. A Bordeaux of fairly classic but four square characteristics. Cedar, graphite, currant. Drinking quite nicely right now.
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11/16/2016 - papabluez wrote: 88 Points
Fruit fading a bit, but reasonable balance between fruit & savory notes.
Black fruit, with forest notes, toast, & strong tannins. Not sure tannins will resolve in time before fruit fades. Some texture & fair balance. Don't even try to drink until at least one hour open or in glass. Enjoyed with some smoked gouda & crackers, which helped with tannins. Not a bad bordeaux considering price. Waiting another 3 years might help.
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11/5/2016 - GuruofAV Likes this wine: 89 Points
Still a bit of life left in it. Nice
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10/23/2016 - cobystilp Does not like this wine: 80 Points
Opened, tasted, waited, tasted and down the drain because life is too short to drink bad wine.
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10/17/2016 - Kentw wrote: 88 Points
Similar to last note. Quite dense almost black. Strong merlot notes with licorice, tar, currants, tobacco and forest floor. Still needs time in cellar after 11 years.
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10/1/2016 - PMHouser Likes this wine: 92 Points
Wonderful Bordeaux, rich and balanced, went great with a hardy beef stew. This bottle was ready to be opened.
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9/17/2016 - blanquito wrote: 83 Points
Commercial, inexpensive, barely quaffable. Heavy on the merlot, clumsy, foursquare, and a bit ponderous with big gritty and awkward tannins. Drinkable and something I'd be fine with from a restaurant serving wines by the glass. I'd say drink now but for wanting it to get better-- it isn't in any danger of falling apart. Wines like this give Bordeaux a bad name -- I bet it costs as much as $40-$50 at some wine shops and it has a pretty label after all with writing that sure looks like French -- to those who don't know better.
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8/12/2016 - Mtz Tom wrote:
This is an addendum to my review in August '16. The first night, the first of the bottle was good. As we approached the bottom half of the bottle, however, the tannins really leaped out. The second night I aerated the wine and it was pretty unpleasant so it got tossed. It was replaced with an 09 l'Hospitalet de Gazin that was much better.
So I'll sit on the Caronne Saint Gemme another year and see what happens. At least it was not too $$.
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8/11/2016 - Mtz Tom Likes this wine: 90 Points
This is noticeably better than it was in February, 2015. Herbal on the nose but not distinct. Dark purple in the glass. Smooth, medium body. Dark cherry, a little vanilla and cedar taste. Tannins are softer than in 2015.
Very nice with breast of duck.
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8/7/2016 - Kentw Likes this wine: 89 Points
Been a few years since my first bottle. At that time it was just too tannic. Today, it is full bodied, with licorice, blackberry, smooth with a bit of forest floor. It is dense with the classic Bordeaux merlot-cab franc notes. Still has a way to go but either at or close to peaking. Good QPR but needed patience.
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8/3/2016 - Amerique wrote: 91 Points
Previous tasting note applies. Great value!
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8/2/2016 - ron m wrote:
Good to go. Simple but solid.
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7/31/2016 - paulst Likes this wine: 88 Points
Initially supple; faded quickly; simple; some earth; ready.
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7/8/2016 - chatters wrote:
brambly and blackcurrant fruit, touches of leather and forest floor, a little muted perhaps than others but still very pleasant indeed with leg of lamb and some roast veg.
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7/3/2016 - dirk21 Likes this wine: 88 Points
Really tasty and a good QPR. Would buy again. Well balanced dark fruit, earth, and wood with some spice and fine tannins to round it out.
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6/18/2016 - FLI Likes this wine: 91 Points
Shockingly good. This has aged into a very well balanced claret. Nose, tannins and fruit all working very well together. Fantastic QPR.
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5/6/2016 - asgerG wrote: 90 Points
Consistent with prior note
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4/28/2016 - stormygirl Does not like this wine: 77 Points
Dusty, old red fruit. Not to my taste
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4/22/2016 - DavidWong168 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Really starts to open up after about an hour after uncorking. It improved tremendously from a muted nose and thin on the palate to an entirely enjoyable Bordeaux. Of course the 13.5% alcohol isn't going to catapult it deep into full-bodied territory but the weight and concentration are palpable. Clear medium purple transitioning to ruby on the rim. Plums, cherries, sweet tobacco and lavender. Tannins are starting to melt away and the acid and fruit are close to a perfect balance. White pepper and hint of smoke on the mid-palate. The finish is medium long. In its prime drinking window.
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4/21/2016 - shank wrote: 88 Points
Better than expected for the price.
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4/12/2016 - WineGuyFL wrote: 88 Points
Last bottle. An experience consistent with the price. There seems to be a lot of bottles of this one left in the cellartracker.com. I would drink up.
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3/16/2016 - DollarMenunaire wrote:
Admittedly a regrettable pop and pour, and hopefully an off-bottle. This didn't really budge over the course of hours. Severe and hard and has lots of mineral but still strict austerity for 10+ years old. Perhaps it's the vintage, but structure still greatly outweighs stuffing. If this was a typical bottle, the short-medium finish leads me to believe that this overreaches and the hard tannin and acid will outlast the stuffing.
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2/24/2016 - megropolis wrote:
Definitely at the start of prime Drinking window. Very enjoyable weekday wine with no faults and enough regional character to keep it intresting. For those who bought it sub $15, this is clearly a bargain.
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1/12/2016 - Rollerball wrote: 91 Points
A 2005 CdP vs. a 2005 Haut-Medoc: great wines from a great vintage across France.: With ten years under their belts we compared two $25-$30 wines from the generally outstanding 2005 vintage in France: the Usseglio regular CdP bottling and the Caronne Ste Gemme from Haut-Medoc Bordeaux. Both wines were outstanding and drank well over a few hours without decanting. This paired beautifully with perfectly medium-rare the pepper skirt steak (the Rhone paired better with the marinated chicken). This Caronne Ste. Gemme was restrained and classy with handsome fruit, a little smoke and pencil lead, and good adaptability to food. And a no-brainer for the price. now-2020
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12/26/2015 - honest bob wrote: 86 Points
From 75cl, perfect cork, P+P. Currently swaddled in glycerine, the sweet, fat, murky entry has glimpses of high-quality blackcurrant and cedar action, which should show more convincingly in about 5 years. No hurry, this chubby chappy is in it for the long haul. 2020-2025? 86(-89)P
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12/24/2015 - Wine Poor wrote: 89 Points
This was good as I recall, but I neglected to report it last month when we drank it.
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12/8/2015 - vinovin Likes this wine: 90 Points
Was feeling a little Bordeaux tonight- exceeded expectations. Super dark and lush with smooth tannins. Will go another 10 yrs based on color and finish! Wish I ha a few more bottles
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10/17/2015 - RandyAboutWine Likes this wine: 90 Points
Has qualities beyond its pedigree. Deep rich garnet color, light-medium body with delicate, wandering legs. Rather fascinating to swirl and enjoy. The nose opened quickly after PNP with aromas of ground pepper, cassis, blueberries and notes of roses or gardenias. Rich mouth feel, forward taste of dark fruits and berries, earthiness, cassis and a hint of apricot. Crystal-clear, well-defined, smooth tannins. Finish is rather short and very dry as others have noted, or would have earned a 91. Nicely paired with flatiron steak and pork tenderloin. Excellent QPV with 4-5 years of life ahead.
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10/15/2015 - stevenrcagle Likes this wine: 90 Points
Probably my mood and expectations for the evening but was not as good as I recalled with previous bottles.
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10/13/2015 - FLI Likes this wine: 88 Points
Improved over the course of the evening. A restrained, balanced claret. Nothing special, but nicely made.
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10/6/2015 - cbuhlman wrote:
This wine is punching way above its weight and is easily a 4th growth wannabe. Excellent mouthfeel and weight- while not showing any palate fatigue which isn't easy to accomplish with most haut medocs.
For a "simple wine" this 2005 at ten years is drinking beautifully and is showing not even the slightest bit of decline.
Very clean cherry and ripe savory dark fruits framed with cedar coffee and and a bit of garrigue. A nice long smooth tannin finish.
90-91+
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9/10/2015 - dars_blog Likes this wine: 92 Points
This wine can be drank with just about anything or on its own. It is drinking very well right now without any decant. Could easily age a few more years. The tannins are almost fully integrated. Not much nose, but on the palate, the wine exhibits flavors of cassis, black currant, spice and leather. I look forward to continuing to see how it develops over the next several years.
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9/9/2015 - Rollerball wrote: 91 Points
Very nice with flank steak marinated with Asian spices.
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9/9/2015 - YourFanNan wrote: 95 Points
10-15 years may be around the right age bordeaux for me. Not too tannic now but no weird musty funk either.
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7/28/2015 - WineGuyFL wrote: 88 Points
A little disappointed compare to earlier bottles.
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7/15/2015 - vinorsk Likes this wine: 90 Points
Rich, vibrant and delicious in July 2015. No signs of fatigue.
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7/4/2015 - stevenrcagle wrote: 91 Points
PNP as a second bottle. Finished 1/2 next night. See notes from previous bottle.
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7/4/2015 - stevenrcagle wrote: 91 Points
This wine is developing very nicely. 2 hour decant. Leather, cassis, dry, earthy. Drinking nicely now but could also hold for 5 years or more. Note: high sediment. Recommend to stand bottle for a few hours before decanting.
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7/1/2015 - thebonnydooner wrote: 91 Points
Not decanted. Reidel bdx glass. Darker and younger than expected. Just a tinge of garnet on the rim. Not particularly forward on the nose, some cassis and leather notes, more brooding and restrained though. Smooth and delicious on the palate, just the right amount of earth and acidity, distinctly BDX, nice cassis and plummy fruit, pretty mellow tannins. finishes very dry but with food - really nice match.
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6/17/2015 - Rollerball wrote: 91 Points
Lacking bouquet but a lovely balanced classic bordeaux with high toned tobacco, cranberry, celery salt, and cassis. So enjoyable, especially with food.
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5/23/2015 - wine247365 wrote:
uncorked bottle about 3 hours before tasting. ok quaff, drank without food, probably better with a substantial meal. The CS comes thru, big, integrated tannins, full body, initially on palate, but dissipates quickly. Should last 3-5 more years. ok QPR.
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5/22/2015 - Poisey Likes this wine: 92 Points
Decanted 2 hours. Floral with nice bouquet of vanilla oak accents. Nice integration. Rich and decadent and a long fruity finish. Smooth lingering dry tannin. Concentrated and chewy. A gem at this price.
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5/22/2015 - asgerG wrote: 90 Points
D1h. Dark red, thin yellow rim, 5.5. Lovely generous bouquet of blackcurrant, pencil, jasmin like flowers, really complex. Harmonious classic palate, pencil, some tannin, long finish. Drink now-2020. This has matured very well and is in its drinking window.
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5/15/2015 - 818wines Likes this wine: 88 Points
Nice. Some cedar on the nose. Was fine on the second day as well. Not sure how much better it will get.
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4/29/2015 - tantotinto wrote: 89 Points
Our last bottle. It has clearly mellowed and improved over the ten years but I am not sure it has improved enough to justify the implied cost of sitting on it for this long. It is a winner tonight though.
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4/12/2015 - Primordialsoup Likes this wine: 90 Points
Nothing special but nothing bad at all. A good representation of the Medoc and drinking well overall. A 2hr decant helped. Good warm fruit with a hint of grapeness but a brambley mid-palate and finish that holds on for half a minute or so.
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4/11/2015 - spatchmo2 wrote: 88 Points
Nice value. I think it would be better in a few years. A bit tannic.
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4/9/2015 - chatters wrote:
From Coravin. Brambles, slight earth notes, leather, dusty spice over blackcurrants and an almost cassis quality. In the mouth the wine is juicy with red over slightly sour blackcurrant. fine tannins. Tastes quite simple today. medium length. Hmm.
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4/4/2015 - BoireBio Likes this wine: 85 Points
17 / 20 * * * COUP de CŒUR
Visuel:rubis dense
Olfactif:beau nez de fruits noir. Net
Gustatif:j'aime l'attaque : droit, texturé avec des tanins assez imposant. Réduction (goût de balsamique)
Ensemble:un des bons 2005 achetés chez Vintage en 2008 à prix tout à fait correct pour un cru bourgeois du Haut-Médoc
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3/7/2015 - Chapel Likes this wine: 91 Points
this was gone fast. easy to drink, mild to moderate body. A crowd pleaser
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3/1/2015 - Vino Me wrote: 90 Points
Bought this at Costco on release for $14. This estate is located just South of St. Julien. 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. Blackish red color. Not decanted. My first bottle. Grapey fruit with garrigue, cedar and tobacco notes. Smooth tannins which were approachable. Silky texture. The most complete of the 3 lesser 2005 bordeaux we opened. 90 points
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2/19/2015 - Mtz Tom Likes this wine: 88 Points
I tend to agree with NEWFRENCHCLARET. It is a bit dry and definitely tannic. We used a Vinturi to aerate and found it very pleasant with braised duck legs. Not especially distinct on the nose. Nice legs and good color in the glass. A little cedar, boysenberry and near the end of the meal, some dark cherry and a hint of strawberry. We had it with our meal - probably not a good choice to sip without food. Have about 5 or 6 left and will wait a while to try again.
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2/6/2015 - chatters wrote:
Coravin fun - around the northern hemisphere ish (My place, parramatta, sydney): From Coravin. That Bordeaux smell….bramble, cedar, toast/biscuit, black currant, slight meat, autumn leaves…in the mouth the wine is juicy with savoury black fruits - bramble and blackcurrant - quite tight, as are the tannins which are drying but not in a bad way. Wonderful with lamb chops.
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1/20/2015 - chatters wrote:
From Coravin. Aromas of leather, cedar, slight methoxypyrazine over blackcurrant and spice as well as a meaty element. On the palate the wine has flavours of savoury blackcurrant, muted spice, some leather notes that lead into a moderately drying tannic profile that is slightly tough. Hmm, despite their drying nature I wouldn't say they are dominant or the wine is out of whack. This is the third bottle I've tucked into from a half case and I'd say this one is the most 'classic entry Bordeaux' for me at this stage. I rather like it.
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1/18/2015 - vinole wrote: 87 Points
Consistent with my previous note of 1/11/13, as this bottle's tannins were still not resolved and required about an hour of decanting. Not finding much charm (hard and tannic) in these lower end 05's even after their 9th birthday.
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12/26/2014 - jonahfactor wrote: 81 Points
Not its best showing. The cork has held up remarkably well, showing only 1/4 inch of seepage, but throwing off a lot of medium-grained sediment, even when carefully poured. From a Haut-Medoc producer that has been around since the 1600s. Ruby/plum color with thick legs. An earthy bouquet with a touch of cedar followed by sour plum notes and cedar and pencil lead in the finish. One dimensional at this stage of its life. Cellar stored since release. Will hold onto my last bottle for another year to see what happens. 80-82
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12/14/2014 - wynnewood500 wrote:
Popped and poured. First class very tannic. Used Venturi on second which was much softer and quite smooth.
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11/28/2014 - epiphany wrote: 87 Points
I think needs more time?
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11/13/2014 - NewFrenchClaret Likes this wine: 88 Points
Dense black fruit nose with a few meaty undertones starting to develop. Starts very dry but sweeter on the mid-palate. Nice long finish. Still very tannic, so will be interesting to taste in a few years time.
Shows the concentration of the 2005 vintage, but not the most charming wine in the world at the moment. I have five more of these, so here's hoping it will seduce me at a later date.
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10/12/2014 - lucianozab wrote: 75 Points
Good but quite closed. Expected more from this vintage
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10/12/2014 - Shrages Likes this wine: 92 Points
Perennially underrated. Blinded, I'd guess this a 2nd growth pauillac or Mouton from a lesser vintage. Dense ruby color with only hint of orange starting to show at rim. Svelte, rich nose of dense fruit, leather craftman's shop, and a flaxen beauty's armpit (and I say that in a good way). In the mouth, same armpit, cool mint, tight dark fruits, perfectly firm tannins. Long but not yet gentle finish. I think this is a superb wine. Has a future too. Will buy more if I can find it. Later years (even 09) not this good.
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10/6/2014 - Bam_Man wrote: 86 Points
Still looks very young - an attractive, semi-translucent magenta in color, right up to the edge of the glass. Has a very pretty Bordeaux nose of crushed dark berries, earth, leather and spice. Medium-to-full bodied, but there's not much depth or intensity to its ripe plum and blackberry fruit. Nicely balanced, with a moderate acidity and just a touch of oak, but noticeably hollow on the mid-palate and not particularly long on the finish. A simple, straightforward Haut-Medoc.
50+5+12+13+6=86
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9/7/2014 - chatters wrote:
On the nose Ribena - blackcurrant cordial - cedar, cigar box and a glorious dense pyrazine note here as well. Touches of leather. Savoury black currant on the palate, juicy, tangy, chalky tannin…a lot better than the last bottle I had. Very mellow…the tertiary characteristics are developing but there is still some primary fruit. Lovely.
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8/24/2014 - WineGuyFL wrote: 89 Points
Decanted for less than an hour. This is the second bottle this year that has had two ratings. With food it is a 90, maybe 90+. However, without food it is 87, at best. Not spectacular, but a good value for the price.
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8/21/2014 - prism wrote: 87 Points
Very good, but not much else to say; a very serviceable Haut-Medoc: the Bordeaux fans at dinner gravitated to it immediately and enjoyed it, but once they tasted the 2005 Douro Reserva from Quinto da Crasto and the 2007 Paso Robles Cab-Syrah blend from L'Aventure, the clear preference was for the latter two wines.
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8/17/2014 - petec-s wrote: 89 Points
Bold chunky stuff here/ very nice nose dark and concentrated charcoal , liquorice , plum/ dense palate almost impenetrable oaky but very smooth, very dry tannins 13.5% great value 89-91
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8/13/2014 - blaine Likes this wine: 88 Points
The last of about 8 bottles I got at Costco for about $12 or $13 I think. These drank very well early, then shut down and weren't as approachable for a long while. This one was the best of the few that I laid down, much more fleshy and open for business. Pop and pour, just took a few minutes to wake up. Nice nose, if uncomplicated. Fruity on the palate, and the tannins that enveloped it earlier have calmed down. Finish was still a little tight and not particularly long. Overall, a terrific mid week wine enjoyed with a steak out of the freezer
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8/10/2014 - Michael P wrote:
Decanted for about an hour. Drank with rack of lamb (which was excellent) Stood up nicely. Plenty of tannin, still has some life left. Not a particularly big wine, but reasonable body. Good fruit, well balanced. Probably has another year or so left.
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7/30/2014 - megropolis wrote: 87 Points
Its a good everyday wine, but it is not exciting. It does not provide Bordeaux experience that some other classified growths do.
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7/27/2014 - chatters wrote:
Sunday arvo sit down BBQ at Cheryl's (Oak Street, North Sydney): On the nose there are medium intensity aromas of leather, savoury black currant and bramble, spice, cream, slight pencil shavings. On the palate there is medium plus acid washing through muted brambly fruit, leather and cedar with quite chewy, chalky and slightly tough tannins on the medium length. Okay.
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7/3/2014 - tantotinto wrote: 89 Points
Much better than the last bottle. Open, fresh, earth and tart cherry. More fruit forward but nicely balanced.
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7/1/2014 - vinole wrote: 89 Points
Consistent with my TN of 1/11/13 except that the tannins are fairly resolved now and drinks well with a little air.
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6/30/2014 - WineGuyFL wrote: 90 Points
Classic. Earth note. Drinking well........this bottle was very good with food, but so-so when having a glass after dinner. However, was better the second night.
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6/25/2014 - johnnyrichardson wrote: 83 Points
A bit earthy..a bit rustic. Grippy, not much length, some fruit.
For me this wine was just about OK but lacked any elegance, and I don't think it'll acquire any in the future, I expected better; overall, quite boring.
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6/25/2014 - cobystilp wrote: 89 Points
Good bottle. Worth every penny of the $14 I paid for it. It has developed some darker fruit as time has gone on. Drink this up as it will not be a long lived wine.
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6/21/2014 - jayw wrote:
Delicious core of berry-cherry fruit, with mocha, oak and touch of peppermint. Nice finish, sweet nose, tannins well resolved.
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4/23/2014 - MarkLA wrote: 89 Points
Still firm upon opening, it showed some glimpses of fruit behind the tannin, more so after some time in the decanter. The next day offers up more sweetness & fruit to complement the grippy finish. Perhaps the best tasting so far, but still a ways away from fully cracking. Drinkable now, but best 2015+ to 2020 (89-91 pts).
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4/23/2014 - jonahfactor Likes this wine: 87 Points
My notes from 12/18/11 still hold. Lovely, with the tannins completely resolved. Blueberries and blackberries with hints of cedar. Pencil lead in the nose and finish. Drink up; this can only go downhill from here.
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4/22/2014 - rmalloy Likes this wine: 91 Points
Very good. Strong cedar and underbrush with minerals, leather, blackberry, and licorice.
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4/12/2014 - stevenrcagle Likes this wine: 91 Points
Dark ruby red, dark fruit on the nose, but still quite tight. Supple and silky with a dry finish. Blackberry, tobacco, pepper, smoke, leather. Really long dry finish. Agree with others that this is ready to drink but think it will open more in a few years. Plan to drink it over next 5 years. Great quality at the price point.
Very tart finish when first opened, but really opened up after decanting for 1 hour. Decant 2 - 3 hours before drinking.
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4/8/2014 - FLI wrote: 88 Points
Great QPR for a nice everyday BDX. Fruit and tannins well integrated. Ready to drink.
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4/6/2014 - signotim Likes this wine: 88 Points
classically styled red Bordeaux. cedar and rustic notes on the nose. tart red fruit and spice on the palate. nice wine... seems to have plenty of life ahead -- at least 5 years (and I am not storing in a cellar which is especially cold). good value.
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4/3/2014 - megropolis wrote: 90 Points
Still needs an hour to open up and come into balance but I believe it is now entered its drinking stage. Very enjoyable.
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4/2/2014 - WineGuyFL wrote: 91 Points
Best bottle yet. Decanted for 1 hour. Drinking well. Dark berries and long finish. Do not believe it will improve much from here.....enjoy.
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2/15/2014 - llink wrote: 87 Points
Very dry and austere, not very open or giving. Somewhat tart, shrill and tannic on the palate.
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2/13/2014 - Mrbuzz Likes this wine:
Drinking well!
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2/12/2014 - Julian Marshall wrote: 92 Points
Vibrant, spicy aromas of cherry and blackberry, with an attack of the same, then a powerful second section that focusses more on blackberry cordial, rising steadily to the top of the throat, where it lingers before a long and satisfying finish. Easily the best Caronne ever.
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1/24/2014 - tantotinto wrote: 87 Points
Still tasting young and fresh. Earthy nose. Dust and cherry flavor. Rather austere. Even at this price point it is a bit underwhelming.
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1/23/2014 - JavaMonkey Likes this wine: 88 Points
This bottle was actually quite good. Red fruits with raspberry and red cherry. Some oak, a little herbal character. Medium weight, good balance.
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1/16/2014 - jfpwine wrote:
I think the bottle was off. The nose was completely muted, and the palate felt a little flat.
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1/9/2014 - asgerG wrote: 89 Points
Decanted 20min. Deep ripe blackcurrant fruit, some pencil notes emerging. Racy, intense fruit and a good portion of tannin. Drink 2016 onwards
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1/5/2014 - Will Devize wrote: 86 Points
A little austere considering the vintage. Quite physical and powerful at the moment and in need of more time in bottle.
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12/26/2013 - wynnewood500 Likes this wine:
Served at a holiday party. Was drinking very well. No detailed notes.
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11/26/2013 - honest bob wrote: 86 Points
From 75cl, perfect cork, P+P. 2 hours later: Dark purple/black. Quite closed aromatically, some cedar and very dark (blackberry?) fruit. Heavy-bodied entry, much more weighty than expected, glycerine, almost the mouth-feel of a light C9 du pape; the mid-palate gives the Médoc game away, more cedar, grippy tannins; shortish dry dusty finish. Pleasant enough now, this has at least 5 years in store and may improve as it slims down in middle-age. (85-)86P
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9/1/2013 - CheapAndBest Likes this wine: 88 Points
Down to my last 4 - from the 18 or so that I bought a few years ago. Has been my "go-to" wine when the dinner occasion is "in-between" - i.e. not just a weeknight and not a special weekend meal with guests.
Very tasty. Has the "could be so much better if it had...." sense to it (pick your descriptor - length, finish, bouquet, etc). So perfect for the occasion above
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8/10/2013 - profiler54 wrote: 89 Points
Opaque with deep ruby garnet color, drank with dinner out of Riedel Vinum Bordeaux stems. Medium pronounced nose dominated by fruit, herbs, toasted oak and earthiness. Medium to high acid levels with full body. Palate is in line with nose with cassis, plums, chocolate, leather, tobacco, wet leaves and earthy mushroom.. This wine possessed medium finish.. with medium tannins Drinking well now but could age.. Excellent
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8/8/2013 - Jeff Leve wrote: 85 Points
Easy going, simple, medium bodied wine, with a slightly rustic nature without faults, or virtues. Due to its low price and large production, the wine is quite popular.
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6/30/2013 - WineGuyFL Likes this wine: 89 Points
Still tight. Deep and dark, but the fruit and flavor did not open up. Still has back bone and tannins.....so not tiring. WA says to drink by 2016, but that seems too soon. Will wait at least a year to try another bottle.
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6/27/2013 - asgerG wrote: 89 Points
DnP. Dark red, red rim, 5.5. Initially somewhat closed nose which opened up in the first hour showing typical Medoc virtues albeit dominated by rather heavy ripe dark fruits. The same goes for the palate, some tannin. Drink now or wait 3-5 years for more elegance
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6/18/2013 - schway wrote: 91 Points
Open. Very tasty.
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5/18/2013 - pinoteer Likes this wine: 90 Points
This is a nice early drinking 2005. Adequate tannins, so it shouldn't go downhill anytime soon. Maybe the best QPR of 2005 Bordeaux.
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4/9/2013 - Surfdoc wrote: 88 Points
Dusty cassis and cedar with dry, firm tannins on the finish. Consistent with my tasting note from 3 years ago. Not much change or improvement over that time. Maybe this is as good as it gets...
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3/16/2013 - aerotalbot wrote:
MR
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3/12/2013 - schway wrote: 91 Points
Surprisingly good. Big ripe fruit flavors against an earthy and graphite backdrop. Started out acidic, but after about a couple hours really opened up and showed nice balance. Seemed to be entering its drinking window. Not sure it has the structure to improve a lot, but imagine it can go for at least another 5. Certainly a fine QPR for those who were patient enough to wait.
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3/3/2013 - krmcgrath wrote: 91 Points
$15 dollars and some patience have really paid off. With a good bit of air this came together and showed balance and big fruit flavor against a dry earthy tannic background. Went very well with our meal.
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2/18/2013 - asgerG wrote: 89 Points
Decanted 1/2h. Dark red, weak yellow rim, 5,5. Generous classic Medoc nose, pencil, cedar, dark fruit. behind is also some mint-like elements. Harmonious on the palate although with a fair portion of tannins. Drink now - 2018. Beginning to turn into a fine petit chateau Medoc. This vintage is very sun ripe but the new world character of this wine is about to disappear in favour of more classical Medoc notes. Thanks!
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2/16/2013 - Tonythefish wrote: 87 Points
Decanted through a Vinturi and let sit for 20 minutes. Nice slightly tannic, earthy and cherry overtones. I'd drink now-2015
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2/13/2013 - khmark7 wrote:
Tannic, unbalanced & tart. Not approachable at all.
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2/9/2013 - stinkycook Likes this wine:
young...ripe cherry, licorice, touch of oak. no hurry. see you again next year.
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1/11/2013 - vinole wrote: 88 Points
Poured through a Vinturi into a decanter to speed up the process while warming the wine and started drinking after a half hour. Dark cherry and currant fruit on a medium body frame with some concentration that also has a just a bit of heat on the finish. The tannins are still not completely resolved which gives a little bite. Very nice for the price, but more time will see it improve if inclined to store, but no more than a point or two of upside.
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1/1/2013 - Kriska Likes this wine: 91 Points
Very good wine well balanced and ready to drink but will keep.
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12/26/2012 - signotim Likes this wine: 87 Points
solid BDX blend. drinking well now with a decant.
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11/25/2012 - pinoteer wrote: 90 Points
PnP, first, and found intense red and black fruit, along with some cedar and spice. Then, let it breathe in the decanter for a couple hours. More secondary flavors came to the fore with air time. Tannins have really mellowed for this wine. Still lacks length in the finish; otherwise, I'd score it higher. At $13, this is a huge QPR. Still have 17 bottles. Yippee!
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11/18/2012 - dke wrote: 89 Points
Graphite and sweet dark fruits on the nose. Still relatively primary with strong tannins and some earthy fruit, initially cassis but then on the second night more integrated into cedary taste. Strong tannins and relatively short finish. Better on the second night and after long decanting.
This was a bottle I received as a gift, will save my bottle for another year or so... 89+
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11/16/2012 - JoshA wrote: 89 Points
Black and red berry fruit forward with a tart finish moderated by firm tannins.
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10/29/2012 - Zinlady wrote: 89 Points
This was my last bottle of a case and by far the best. Drinking nicely. Good fruit. Had with a spaghetti squash casserole - mushrooms, cheese, onions, tomatoes - it matched well. Wish I had waited on earlier bottles.
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10/18/2012 - tantotinto wrote: 88 Points
Consistent with previous note.
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10/1/2012 - wynnewood500 wrote:
Grabbed this and took it out to a BYO with lousy stems. As a result, I could not get a good read on the wine. Nothing wrong. Not noticeably tannic but did not give up much on the nose or complexity of flavors. Could easily have been the glassware. Food and company were great so I did not care about the stems.
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9/30/2012 - 914 wine wrote:
very good. tastedwithmany neighbors
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9/19/2012 - Zinlady wrote: 89 Points
Had tonight with beef stew. Wine has matured and is balanced. Cedar. Medium finish
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9/15/2012 - mcnfarmer wrote: 80 Points
Fair; pedestrian
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7/25/2012 - MarkLA wrote:
3rd bottle out of a case purchased EP & stored at 55°.
Seductive floral, blackberry, coffee, smoke, and gravelly notes. Still tight on the palate, fairly lightweight with focused acidity, and finishes with ripe tannins. Was hoping it would be more of an early drinker, but like other petits chateaux I've tracked from 2005 (Beaumont & Camensac), I think this one still needs additional cellaring (Drink from 2014-2020+?).
I do have to note that my first pour had a lot of fine sediment, so I might stand up the bottle for a day or two the next time.
Day 2: More expressive and fills out nicely, in fact more of everything shows up, but the tannins coat the tongue and clamp down pretty hard in the end. It will be a solid drink, especially for the money, by the time the tannins resolve, perhaps around 2014-15. As it stands, it's still an evolving wine in need of a nice cold cellar. (score:88-90).
As an aside, I read Chris Kissack's review after posting mine, and it's an excellent take. Any future notes by him would be a nice guide of its progress.
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7/13/2012 - Alexroy wrote: 87 Points
Dark. Transparent, slightly brownish colour. Nice spicy dark fruit nose. Rich, chocolate sharp red fruit medium length, firm tannins. Decent.
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7/7/2012 - blaine wrote:
seepage in the cork, perfectly stored by me but purchased at costco so beware
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6/24/2012 - Shawna Benson wrote: 89 Points
Very light and opened up well after about an hour. Held up great and expect the other bottle I have to drink just as well in 6 months. Not sure there's much life after that -- it's drinking well now, definitely worth what I paid.
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6/21/2012 - ecola Likes this wine: 89 Points
This wine has really opened up in the 15 months since I last had it. Medium to full body. Cherry, licorice, and a little shaved chocolate. Has a meaty presence also. Very dry finish.
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6/13/2012 - khmark7 wrote: 87 Points
Some nice aromas upon opening....a little herbal. In the mold of most 2005's, modern, rich, tannic and somewhat low acidity that hinders the finish. Better than many at this price point, but disappointed with how this has aged.
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6/11/2012 - psrv wrote: 89 Points
PnP. Aromas and flavors of dark fruits, cedar, tobacco, and mint. Medium bodied and tannic, with a medium finish. Likely needs a few more years.
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6/9/2012 - S2 wrote: 88 Points
Somewhat muted both in smell and taste. Still a little too young to drink. Immediately recognizable as a Bordeaux. Tannins are smooth and hints of darker fruits and some graphite. I'd wait another year or two if your supply of this wine is limited. A good wine but not showing a lot of depth right now.
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5/25/2012 - signotim wrote: 87 Points
still very tight. try again next year. needs decant - plenty of sediment.
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5/24/2012 - Zazzaman Likes this wine: 85 Points
Last bottle of case. Deep fresh colour, blackcurrants and a hint of mint on the nose. Well made balanced wine, with rich fruit blended with tobacco and a little oak. Neither too jammy or over austere. Not overly long or complex but very enjoyable and good value. WoFW 13/20
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5/3/2012 - tantotinto wrote: 88 Points
Tasted after a thirty minute decant. Consistent with earlier note. "This has rounded much more into form. Fairly yummy in fact. A relatively expressive nose of mineral, ripe fruit and tobacco. Dark cherry, plum, blueberry and oak flavor with a tart finish. I cannot see much reason to wait to consume our remaining bottles."
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5/3/2012 - honest bob wrote: 86 Points
From 75cl, decanted 2 hours. Solid, dark, rich, ripe material, but rather surly, at least at this pubescent stage of development. If it develops a little more identifiable fruit characteristic and/or Médoc cedar and spice, this will be delightful in middle age. 86P(+)
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3/26/2012 - tantotinto wrote: 88 Points
Consistent with previous note.
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3/15/2012 - ilmvino wrote: 88 Points
Solid high 80's rating. Ready to be enjoyed with a decant
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3/3/2012 - Poisey wrote: 90 Points
Concentrated, dark and youthful at this point. Decanted 3 hours. Round and juicy, you just want to drink this. Nose with cedar, cigar box, flowers and dark fruits. Full bodied and good length for a lesser Cru. Great value here and still so fresh which is not suprising for the vintage. Finishes with graphite, lead pencil shavings and spices. Hold this for a few more years it will gain. Drink 2015-2018.
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3/1/2012 - jfont123 wrote: 90 Points
Best one yet
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2/29/2012 - djdaqm wrote: 88 Points
Decanted only 15 minutes before drinking, and it could use more time aerating. Opened up more as we consumed it. On the nose there is some cedar and cigar with mild dark berries. On the palate it has dark overtones, like coffee and some mild bitterness on the end. Decent concentration and acidity. Not quite integrated now, but should improve over the next few years.
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2/21/2012 - jfont123 wrote: 90 Points
PnP...Drinking very nicely right now.
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2/16/2012 - cse wrote:
a little rich, not quite resolved. give it a few more years in the cellar.
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1/1/2012 - asgerG wrote: 87 Points
Opened and poured. Dark red, red rim, 5½. Seems to be closed down both in nose and taste. Wait
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12/18/2011 - jonahfactor wrote: 88 Points
We should drink more Bordeaux. This was lovely. Tannins have become much more integrated, although they still make an appearance throughout the evening. Blueberries; blackberries; a hint of slightly ripe cherries. Pencil lead in the nose. A noteworthy value at the $13 we paid for it, esp. considering it's a bdx. Drink now through 2015.
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12/14/2011 - Nutty08 wrote: 89 Points
Delightful bdx. Nose of black currants, crushed berries and cedar spice. Palate is fully concentrated with a dark currant and plum filled character showing a touch of leather. Finishes slightly dry, but lush and adding cedar spice and mineral. A great QPR that really starting to drink well with a couple hours air.
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12/2/2011 - ccsargent wrote: 91 Points
91+ This bottle was much more open than the last. What delicious fruit! This bottle convinces me that this wine is made for the long haul. I'm going to try to keep my remaining bottles for at least another 3-4 years. The tannins are really prominent, especially on this second day of the bottle being opened, but the fruit and minty freshness of the nose is quite nice. I see a really nice future for this wine.
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11/29/2011 - sjolivares wrote:
Black cherry. Blackberry.
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11/29/2011 - sjolivares wrote: 94 Points
Black cherry. Fig. Blackberry. Structured.
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11/28/2011 - tantotinto wrote: 89 Points
Tasted about 30 minutes after decanting. This is the first bottle that we have opened in almost a year and it has rounded much more into form. Fairly yummy in fact. A relatively expressive nose of mineral, ripe fruit and tobacco. Dark cherry, plum, blueberry and oak flavor with a tart finish. I cannot see much reason to wait to consume our remaining bottles.
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11/13/2011 - ScottS wrote:
oak, oak and more oak. not sure it will ever be in balance.
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11/7/2011 - rogerr wrote: 91 Points
Nice integration at this point. Opens up in the glass after about 15 minutes to present good fruit, mineral, and acid.
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10/21/2011 - asgerG wrote: 88 Points
Decanted and poured. Dark red, initial signs of maturity, 5.5. Nose of sun ripe berries, behind are the classic Medoc notes fighting to get room. A nice tannin structure safes the wine from going overseas.
Drink 2013-2020 then maybe higher score.
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10/10/2011 - jtt300 wrote: 88 Points
a bit too much tannis still. couple more years.
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10/2/2011 - barcud wrote: 86 Points
First bottle for six months, deep extract, a classic nose of cassis and leather. Good fruit on entry and tannins softening, not bad for a ten quid bottle
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9/27/2011 - Nutty08 wrote: 89 Points
Tasted only on day 2. Tannins are starting to recede into the fruit a little. Lovely black berry and currant palate with a lengthy mocha finish. Only bdx has this acidity and poise. Great for the price.
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8/28/2011 - toontune wrote: 88 Points
Getting better
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8/25/2011 - schway wrote: 90 Points
coming around
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8/7/2011 - BeaverBob wrote: 87 Points
Just opened, drank it and enjoyed it with prime rib. earthy on opening, dark fruits on the nose, some cigar & leather.
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7/4/2011 - Zinlady wrote: 87 Points
The wine has improved. Still very one dimensional but easy to drink. Seemed more together. Lighter than I like Bordeaux wines. Had with roasted lamb chops.
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6/20/2011 - tanninbomb wrote: 86 Points
Reminds me of a girl in high school who had the elements of beauty, but she was so reserved in her manner, you never felt like you really knew her or wanted to be around her after the first blush wore off, like the conversation died. This wine has a pleasant nose of dark cherry and toasted oak, was attractive at first (at least intriguing), then it just seemed to settle back into the shadows and not show you much else.
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6/19/2011 - benjordan wrote:
Good.
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6/5/2011 - signotim wrote: 86 Points
best on night 3. very tough the first day even after a decant.
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5/22/2011 - PIntag wrote: 85 Points
Drank over 2 days. The merry-go-round continues with this wine. The bottle I opened 6 months ago was shut down hard. The one I opened 3 months ago was quite open and ready to go. This bottle was only slightly more open than the one from 6 months ago. The nose showed some very nice cassis and spice. On the palate, the attack showed some nice, up front blackberry, integrated wood, and currant but the mid-palate closed down quickly behind a wall of tannin. The extended air over the two days helped a little bit but this one really needed more time sideways. Pity it was my last one.
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5/11/2011 - muredskin14 wrote: 86 Points
a sleeping 05 value Bordeaux. Tried to wake up but too late in the night to really see it open. Tight, subdued, austere and bashful. even the cheap 05 Bordeauxs have some stuffing that needs time to work out. Revisit another day and my 6L in another decade.
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4/28/2011 - johnnyrichardson wrote: 85 Points
A bit stinky on opening, soon blew off. My first 2005 Bordeaux, just beginning to shut down I think. Very tannic still, though fairly well structured Medoc, so this should be a whole lot better in 5 years time...
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4/24/2011 - ecola wrote: 88 Points
Subtle aromas of red berries and a little earth. Tight on the palate with only a little red fruit coming out. Try and tannic on the finish. Needs air and food.
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4/19/2011 - jfont123 wrote: 90 Points
Popped and poured. This bottle turned out quite nice and very enjoyable.
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4/17/2011 - Deryl wrote: 89 Points
Great QPR
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4/11/2011 - krmcgrath wrote: 89 Points
Nice but subdued nose of blackberry, currant and a little earthy funk. Full bodied and smooth, the fruit plays second to the oak, tannins and earthiness.
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4/7/2011 - Mrbuzz Likes this wine:
Really drinking well.
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3/19/2011 - jrglm wrote: 88 Points
Second day. Tannins have tamed down somewhat to reveal some rich, dark fruit, tobacco and earth.
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2/24/2011 - Oskiwawa wrote: 88 Points
for the money this remains a very good wine. Popped and poured. It was very tight and tannic for the first 45 minutes or so. I would decant the next for 1-2 hours. It drank very well over the course of 2 hours. I expect this to be even better in 3-5 years. It really speaks volumes for the 2005 vintage as a whole
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2/23/2011 - Nutty08 wrote: 87 Points
Pleasant shy nose of currants, cedar, and leather. Plenty of drying if soft tannins on the palate. Black cherry flavors, mild vanilla and cedar on the drying finish. A little thin on the mid palate, probably in an in-between stage right now.
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2/18/2011 - BoireBio wrote: 85 Points
14,5/20 O: Grenat aux reflets orangés. O: Fruité, réglisse, bacon et poivre blanc. Le nez est agréable. G: Attaque en bouche fruitée avec des tanins sérieux et droit. Un peu astringeant. L'ensemble donne l'aspect d'un vin un peu trop international et classique à la fois. J'aurais aimé un peu plus d'exubérance. Faut-il attendre ce 2005 ? probablement encore quelques années...
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2/15/2011 - HUSTLEDC wrote: 89 Points
Consistent with my previous note.
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2/12/2011 - jtabor wrote: 87 Points
Benefits from decanting. Then has a decently smooth mouthfeel with a few abrasive tannins. Good dark fruits, decent finish. Give this a few more years and I think its really going to wake up.
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2/4/2011 - PIntag wrote: 89 Points
Pop 'n pour. The last bottle of this I opened 2 months ago was completely shut down and hard as nails. This bottle was quite open and ready for business. I'm not sure if 2 months made the difference or it's due to bottle variance, but this bottle was quite nice. Lovely nose of currant and cement dust. On the palate, black currant, cedar, and caramel. Oak was integrated but a bit on the heavy side for my tastes. Good acidity with some firm tannins on the finish. Good balance. Nice now but should show better in a couple more years.
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1/9/2011 - tantotinto wrote: 87 Points
Tasted immediately after opening. Consistent with last note. Tart cherry fruit that is coming more into balance with the tannins. Comfortable sipper. I do not expect much upside from here.
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1/8/2011 - emf Likes this wine:
Still think this one needs more time and definitely needs a decant. has dark fruit and some earth on a muted nose. In the glass muted dark fruit with lead shavings and earth also tannins. you can tell there is good structure, just needs more time.
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12/31/2010 - rjeman2000 wrote: 88 Points
Still not ready. Silky smooth mouthfeel, although no real flavors coming through. Literally like liking silk. Back end has huge dry tannins. Awkward stage that it will hopefully grow out of.
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12/28/2010 - ilmvino wrote: 90 Points
Aging nicely, but still could use a yr or 2. Kept at 55 since purchase.
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12/19/2010 - HUSTLEDC wrote: 89 Points
Dark ruby in colour. A good nose of black fruit with plenty of damp earthy forst floor aromas, a little pencil lead, really inviting. The palate doesn't quite match the nose, it's still quite tight and the tannins, whilst certainly not unpleasent, will integrate better with time and it will hopefully flesh out a little to match that nose. Once again, a very good value wine from this property.
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12/3/2010 - PIntag wrote: 82 Points
Tasted over 3 days. It's been 2 and a half years since my last bottle of this. It hasn't budged a bit -- it's as tight and tannic as it was in March of 2008 when I bought 5 bottles. The nose is very faint, but is not bad -- hints of dusty raspberry and cranberry. On the palate, some nice dark berry flavors, but very, very tannic and tight. Did not improve over the days of being open in bottle. Tasting with salami and cheese helped a bit with the tannins, but the fruit was just not there. Not a bad wine, but I guess I was just expecting more from this given the hype of the 2005 Bordeaux vintage. This will probably improve a little bit with a few years in the cellar, but IMO, there is not enough fruit to think that this will turn into something very good.
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11/22/2010 - rufosx wrote:
Not Great
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11/4/2010 - tantotinto wrote: 87 Points
First bottle of this wine that we have opened in over a year. Tasted after a 30 minute decant. Fruit and damp earth nose. Still tight. Tart cherry flavor. Tannins are more in balance than they were last year. This will probably improve a bit more but I don't see a lot of upside and it is hard to justify the cellar space for a bottle in this price range. Close enough to start drinking it up.
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11/4/2010 - GuruofAV wrote: 89 Points
Nose of currants and leather. Dusty raisins turn to green vegetal flavors with a medium long finish. Drinking well
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10/8/2010 - vinorsk wrote: 90 Points
Deep ruby color, flavors and nose of dark fruit, earhy, leather/cedar. This is a musty, earthy wine of medium acidity and medium/high tannins. Very good wine. I'd like more. Has the potential to develop further w/ age.
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9/14/2010 - bbrantley wrote: 88 Points
This was nice, if a bit rustic. Had great concentrated fruit and smooth, if not elegant, tannins. Obviously very young, will be interesting to see if the remaining bottles improve.
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9/10/2010 - ScottGoodwin Likes this wine:
Very dark, extracted color. Totally opaque. Black fruits - black currants and back berries. Cedary. Pickling spice. Charcoal. Earthiness.
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7/29/2010 - GuruofAV wrote: 89 Points
Very tasty, showing a lot of potential. Hold longer
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7/29/2010 - Aquifex wrote: 85 Points
Not as good as hoped - green and woody with harsh tannins. Bad bottle ?
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7/23/2010 - DevinW wrote: 89 Points
Ripe fruit with a spiced vanilla finish. Decent length and nice balance.
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7/21/2010 - Andywoo wrote: 88 Points
Round and Good body.
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6/22/2010 - pkbackman wrote: 89 Points
This is drinking decently now. Dark fruit and some smoky cigar box and anise.
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6/18/2010 - jayw wrote: 88 Points
Lots of sweet berry fruit, with chocolate, coffee, bacon and earth tones. Medium to full body, with decent structure, but tanins still a bit tight several hours after opening. Slight barnyard on the nose.
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5/21/2010 - La Cave d'Argent wrote: 88 Points
Deep ruby robe with red rim. Clean nose, opening over 1-2 hours to show moderately intense aromas of black cherry, licorice and underbrush. Full-bodied on the palate, with medium acidity and now with medium supple tannins. The flavors mirror the nose and a mineral component is added. Medium, fairly smooth finish. When compared with my last tasting of this wine 6/13/08, the tannins have definitely softened and the improved score reflects this positive change. Drink now-12/15. ADDENDUM: This wine was allowed to breathe an additional 24 hours in decanter and was serially tasted 5/22/10. The aromatics markedly improved and the flavors "popped". If possible at this point, I would decant well in advance of serving in order to maximize the pleasure of this wine.
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5/16/2010 - IlonaN wrote: 88 Points
The relatively high score here is for potential rather than present reality. The underlying structure of the wine, with firm tannins, restrained fruit and plenty of acidity is solid. Nice dusty dark cassis and loamy notes show when the bottle is first opened, then after about an hour everything clamps down to reveal little flavor and lots of those cedary tannins. Hold another year.
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5/15/2010 - Niagara wrote: 85 Points
Proof that a rising tide lifts all boats. Even humdrum 2005s are well above average.
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4/26/2010 - dwoody wrote: 90 Points
Dark purple. Inviting nose of chocolate, fresh cream, and dark fruits. Big palate coating wine with lots of back end tannin. Very well put together. Needs a few more years at least and it will be in stride.
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4/18/2010 - Surfdoc wrote: 88 Points
Simple nose of dusty, dark fruit and cedar. Flavors start with reticent cassis that quickly dries into the medium firm tannins. Not too complex, but may open up a bit more with time. Good QPR.
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4/9/2010 - ggkemp wrote: 89 Points
Decanted 2hours.. Enjoyed with still moderate tannins... Dark, round, great QPR, and I will put on a qtrly schedule for probable improvement..
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3/31/2010 - emf Likes this wine:
The tannins are softening, beautiful red color with some dark red fruit on the nose. Dark red fruit, and some earthiness with tannins and some grittiness. The tannins softened with some time.
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3/31/2010 - Andy Steinman wrote: 90 Points
Beautiful soft round crowd pleaser. A touch of bitterness upon opening that quickly dissipated after decanting. In a great place now.
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3/23/2010 - schway wrote: 90 Points
90+. Ridiculously tight upon opening, with iron clad tannins and a pronounced astringent bitterness. But really comes alive with prolonged exposure to air. Lively and grippy, almost racy, with bitter red and black fruits (currant, cranberry), bitter herbs (anise), graphite, meat, and even hints of flowers. Still not showing a lot, but was excellent with food (ribeye), and seems like there's a lot of upside potential. Question is whether there is enough fruit to ride it out. Enjoyable now, with a meal, and a long decant -- 3+ hours.
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2/20/2010 - stevenjstein wrote: 90 Points
Decanted for an hour or so. Definitely gets better with time. Dark fruit with somewhat biting tannins, but not overwhelming. Complex flavors underneath. Could use a couple of more years, but drinkable now. Excellent value for the money.
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2/18/2010 - Kevin_C wrote: 89 Points
From a 375 ml. This was a great bottle and quintessentially [QPR] bordeaux. This had the green pepper and gravelly bouquet profile, with the added bonus of some baking spice notes. It's been a while since I enjoyed one of these.
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2/17/2010 - megropolis wrote: 88 Points
I bough 18 bottles couple of years ago. This is my 8th bottle and for the 8th time I tell myself it needs more time as tanins are dominant. Will not touch next bottle for at least 8 months. Still, it is very enjoyable wine now and great all around qpr.
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1/20/2010 - calgarywino wrote: 88 Points
Decent drinker - was surprised it showed this much so early. Decanted 6 hours but the first sip on opening was okay. A few more years wouldn't do any harm to this wine.
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1/7/2010 - Zinlady wrote: 87 Points
Medium bodied. Dark. Served with lamb shanks. Easy to drink not complex. Will improve
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12/8/2009 - dirtyharry wrote: 86 Points
Decanted for 4 hrs, still tight. Opened up next day, fruit showing & tannins softer. To me, not worth the time it takes to become drinkable, even though it was better the 2nd day
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12/3/2009 - goofy Yno wrote: 88 Points
raspberry, lead, . some tight tannins and acid, but the fruit is regaining some stride.
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11/30/2009 - ilmvino wrote: 87 Points
IMO this bottle is not ready to drink at this point. Needs a few more years in the cellar as the fruit has yet to break through the heavy tannins that dominate.
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11/10/2009 - puppetclause wrote: 88 Points
Had this last year, it was very flat and the tannis were sharp and tight. Popped a bottle tonight and let it decant for about an hour. The tannins are still sharp, but the fruit is at least competing now. Dense cherry, currant, licorice at the end, but still with a rounded bitter finish. Could definately use more time to improve some more. Could go as high as 90 in a few years if it loses the bitterness.
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11/1/2009 - Amerique wrote: 90 Points
Very round, smooth black cherry fruit with currant, licorice, coffee, and chocolate flavors, good structure, ample tannins, nice finish
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10/22/2009 - MauriceE wrote: 87 Points
Decent Bordeaux, but for a 2005 lacking refinement. Nevertheless, already now very enjoyable.
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10/17/2009 - elbosco wrote: 88 Points
Popped and poured. Aromatic but closed to palate. Austere with drying tannins. Crushed charcoal showing little fruit. Clearly would have shown better with extended air time and likely to improve with extended cellaring.
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9/29/2009 - Patas wrote: 82 Points
I did not like it much at this stage... Still very tannic, good dark fruit upfront but it quickly transitions into this strange bitter taste (like cucumber peel). It did not improve much the next day, so maybe this bottle was flawed. Two other bottles I had before (almost a year ago) were much better.
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9/14/2009 - emf wrote:
Decanted for about 4 hours. this was very dark red with that old world aromas of earth and red fruit. Remains tannic but the ripe red fruit came through. Happy that we have more so we can try some at different times and taste it as it ages. This should be good.
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9/14/2009 - cbuhlman wrote: 88 Points
much better than first bottle 6 months ago, clean ripe fruit with remarkable elegance and good structure,the wine threw off a good deal of sediment.
This wine is not ready to drink yet, but is very promising. 88++ (note to self, do not touch)
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8/19/2009 - rottcodd wrote: 88 Points
Drinking well by the third night. Lots of sediment in the last 2 glasses. Recommend decanting.
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8/2/2009 - tantotinto wrote: 89 Points
Smells and tastes like what it is, a young Bordeaux that needs more time. Sampled immediately after opening. Nose of ripe fruit and cedar. Tannins are very firm and at this point a bit too much for the fruit. Sampled again after 90 minutes. Tannins still have a tight grip but the fruit has come more forward. It's better after the added exposure.
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7/26/2009 - Hazeo wrote: 91 Points
Very tannic upon opening. Double-vinturi'd and it softened up. Dark lush leathery silkiness midpalette with a decent finish. I think its shut down, but I love the graphite/ceder/earth of a quintessential left-bank bordeaux. Two more bottles left for the 5 years later. Still, despite a certain lack of fruit I love the texture and flavours ... 90.
Day 3 - More fruit coming through and the best showing of this particular bottle. Tannins a lot more mellow, and the finish is wonderfully leathery and smokey. The last half glass of this forced me to upgrade it further. 91.
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5/5/2009 - gjport wrote: 80 Points
Did a quick pop and pour, then decanted for a meal later on. The initial impression was somewhat expected, but a bit disappointing that it has yet to show much development. Quite tight on the nose, very tannic on the palate. We then had it with a pot roast about 90 min later. Much more approachable, but still quite raw, tight. Not much on the nose, but some subtle, but pleasant tart berry fruit on the palate, with a promising finish. Went well with the roast, providing enough body heft to match the meat and gravy. This wine has much more growing to do before becoming a good Bordeaux. Will revisit in a few years. Fingers are crossed.
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5/4/2009 - wowothedog wrote: 77 Points
Typical of Bordeaux mixture, actually quite ready to drink as it is which is very balance and smooth rather , improved after 60 t0 90 minutes contact with atmospheric chemicals.
Very subtle oak handle typically with aged barrels. Should be more enjoyable after 6-10 years time.
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4/13/2009 - cbuhlman wrote:
initially tannic, tart and thin. It was set aside on kitchen counter to later pour down the drain, or use for cooking. Tasted the next day (30 hours later@ 72 room temp)-much, much better, dark cherry core and not nearly as tight, seems to get better and better sitting in the glass, a certain elegance is going on here, reminds me of Cantlemerle. but this wine will never be more than medium bodied. This wine is simply not ready at this point. Not even slightly oxidized.
My best guess is, I wouldn't open this wine again for at least 5 years, as this needs time to evolve. judgement reserved.
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4/5/2009 - asgerG wrote: 88 Points
Dark black-red, slim red rim, 5½. Rather closed but promising nose, dark fruit and cask at first, after ½h also classic Haut-Medoc notes of pencil and cedar. Also closed in the mouth, but plenty of fruit and mellow tannins. Drink 2012-2020
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3/21/2009 - cvvhrn wrote: 86 Points
Not to bad esp considering its pre arrival price. Hints of dust and smoke on the nose with ripe fruit on the palate. This needed more time but it was from a 3L bottle. The 750's are probably drinking better right now. I have a 6L bottle that I will keep in the cellar for at least another 4-5 years.
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3/6/2009 - Rob MacKay wrote: 87 Points
Opened initially on Wednesday night and had about half the bottle and then finished it Friday night. I wasn't sure how it would hold up sitting corked on the counter for a couple of days but it was still in great shape when I finished it. Looking back at my previous note, I think I was a little over-excited about this wine when I first had it last spring. It's a great value from a fantastic vintage but having had a few other 05s since then I would have to rate this a couple points lower in comparison to some of its peers.
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3/5/2009 - the godfather wrote: 88 Points
drinking very nice tonight,has really rounded out
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2/13/2009 - Brian1970 wrote: 90 Points
Consistent with prior notes. Very good QPR Bordeaux.
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2/8/2009 - goofy Yno wrote: 87 Points
nice nose of cedar, blackberry and tobacco. good fruit but acid seep through quickly, diminishing the enjoyment.
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2/7/2009 - Faryan wrote: 88 Points
2005 Petit Bordeaux Tasting (Bell's Wine Shop): If I thought the Croix Mouton was eclectic, this wine is off the charts in terms of oddball! It was best described by Justin as wet socks on the nose. Bright fruit is there, but in a strange place. Daryl called it a wine that was like a downtown summer Baltimore night. Again, a very eclectic wine. 88FW+
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2/7/2009 - Deryl wrote: 90 Points
Incredible young Bordeaux for the price
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1/3/2009 - ccsargent wrote: 90 Points
This was so much better on the second day. Note to self - always decant! Licorice and graphite on the nose, cherry on the palate, drying tannins but not too much. Delicious!
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1/1/2009 - GuruofAV wrote: 88 Points
Less than I expected, somewhat thin, a little hot, but still shows a lot of potential. A good buy ....
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12/31/2008 - rjeman2000 wrote: 90 Points
NYE tasting, decanted for five hours. Hints of blackberry and black licorice on a subdued nose. Definitely a young wine with black currant and black licorice on the palate with very dry and slightly bitter (although integrated) tannins. Finishes with bitter chocolate and distinct Good N Plenty. Great QPR for a Bordeaux, and should be even better in about a year.
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12/29/2008 - jsums wrote: 89 Points
Garnet color. Wild raspberry and rich cherry on the nose with sexy accents of tobacco, clove, and chocolate. Bright, yet full body of zingy red berries, sweet leather, bell pepper, and milk chocolate. Finish brings a mouthful of crushed gravel and gripping wooden tannins. Good length. Somewhat austere and tight right now. Needs to lay down for several more years. Very good potential.
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12/14/2008 - Hazeo wrote: 90 Points
A bit thinner than my previous bottles, still tannic and slightly overwhelming the fruit. Still a very good drink though. Vacu-pumped and fridged ... and much better on day 2. Day 3 - similar to day 2 but seemed to have gained even more weight ... this one will keep for quite a while.
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12/14/2008 - the godfather wrote: 88 Points
much better than before with a significant decant
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12/13/2008 - Badfish wrote: 91 Points
Linking With Bordeaux (Wine Exchange - Orange, CA): Dark red color. Very interesting nose with aromas of fresh cherries and pomegranate yielding perhaps the most pure red fruit character of the tasting. Gorgeous cherry essence on the palate with good firm tannins and structure. Quite good and attractive for its purity of fruit.
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12/13/2008 - Kevin_C wrote:
Yeasty, thin and terribly backward. This has shut down. Couldn't even finish a half-bottle so corked and refrigerated what was left. The next day it displayed a lovely cedar and ripe red fruit bouquet. It was very enjoyable. I think it's best to leave these alone for a while.
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12/10/2008 - JavaMonkey wrote: flawed
This must have been a bad bottle. I don't think it was corked, maybe cooked?. The nose had red fruits and oak. The palate was thin and bitter. Just not very pleasant.
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12/7/2008 - queneau wrote: 89 Points
Initially spoiled food nose developing into more of a doused campfire wood aroma; mushroomy, black fruit with hint of licorice. Earthy and composty; bracing tannins; recommend in a few years.
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11/28/2008 - drj wrote: 90 Points
Taste and aroma of berries, good tannins, long finish, forward but not a fruit bomb. Very enjoyable
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11/13/2008 - AllRed wrote: 86 Points
Decanted and consumed over three hours. Notes of blackberry, coffee, chocolate and licorice. Closed down after a short while. Flavors of mocha and blackberry, but quite thin on the attack and through the midpalate. Finishes short with red fruit nuances.
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10/27/2008 - garthbernstein wrote: 88 Points
Solid.
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10/18/2008 - vinomand wrote:
first night: muted nose, fruit well in the background to strong tannins, better with food, but needs more air or cellaring. Will finish the bottle tomorrow and hope that this is just a very young wine; not a whole lot more open on the second night at first, with a bit more fruit and mellowing tannins after an hour. Will wait some time to open another bottle.
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9/27/2008 - stormygirl wrote:
decanted for an hour, tannins not nearly as harsh as I would expect. nice fruit and just a bit of hotness, the other 5 will sit for years but wanted to get an idea of the characters- current, cherry, fruit forward, tobacco and leather. I'm very happy with this wine and can't wait to try it in a few years.
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9/25/2008 - Ibetian wrote: 88 Points
Drank a glass with cheese before dinner while the rest of the bottles sits in the decanter. A muted but promising nose, with red fruit and berries. Without food the tannins seemed harsh and bitter, but the cheese seemed to soften the wine. Decent QPR and an enjoyable wine, though not a "must-buy-a-case."
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9/19/2008 - Tad GW wrote: 89 Points
Drank a half bottle over the course of 2 or 3 hours after opening. It kept getting better and better with time but the small bottle didn't last long enough to really develop. What was clear was that this will be a very, very good wine in 5 or 10 years.
50+5+11+16+7=89
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9/13/2008 - wineismylife wrote: 89 Points
DAWGS September 2008 Wine Dinner (bigred_seeker's house in University Park, Dallas, TX): WIML88-89?
Tasted September 13, 2008 at an offline.
Opened and decanted about 4 hours before double decanting back into the bottle and serving 1 hour later. Dark garnet to purple color in the glass, fairly clear hue throughout. Nose of fennel up front with some added notes of berries. Mostly singular flavors of berries on the palate at the moment. Medium acidity, medium to firm tannins, medium body. Hold.
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9/5/2008 - ilvino wrote: 91 Points
Excellent QPR. Very smooth, nice tannins, finishing taste of leather in mouth, quite drinkable now but may improve with age. Please recommend other French Bordeaux as good or better at this price range!
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9/2/2008 - Amerique wrote: 90 Points
dark, thick purple color, very dry, good structure and tannins, chocolate, coffee nose and flavors, fruit closed, unsure if fruit will out last tannins, excellent value
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8/21/2008 - pgm wrote: 88 Points
Opened and had a glass Thursday, and was disappointed given the pleasant experience we'd had a few months ago. Most notable was bitter tannins and almost sour fruit. Stopped at a glass.
We finished the bottle Friday night, and it was almost as good as the April bottle, cherry fruit, currant, with decent structure. Outstanding for a $14 bottle, but price-blind you wouldn't get excited about it. This bottle also erased my notion that there might be improvement here with age. Nope, not likely. Decanting will help in the near term, but I wouldn't hold these.
Score based mostly on second day.
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8/19/2008 - Hazeo wrote: 89 Points
A little funky on opening, but after two hours it reached its potential (for now). Not exactly complex but really good fruit and balance. Mouth-coating fullness, good mid-palette and the tannins don't stand out like the other 05 Bordeauxs that I've had. Only the muted finish prevented my giving it a 90, but give it a few years and I'm sure it'll improve.
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8/7/2008 - the godfather wrote: 85 Points
nice nose but very tart with no standout qualities
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8/6/2008 - goofy Yno wrote:
yuck!! thin, devoid of fruit or any other redeeming qualities. on the plus side I can say it was a liquid, and the drain did not disintegrate as it made it's way through the pipes.
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8/4/2008 - Kevin_C wrote: 89 Points
From a 375 ml bottle. Cork stained pretty good on the outside but no signs of leaking. Bright red. Strong bouquet of crushed berries dominant. Actually smells juicy. Notes of dusty gravel and green bell pepper. Decent mid-palate and finish for what it is. Traces of oak. Tannins have good grip. Goes nice with a meal.
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8/2/2008 - Kevin_C wrote: 88 Points
From a 375 ml bought from the store. Sticky residue on the seal might indicate early signs of leakage. Bright red. Nose of crushed berries upon opening but then restrained. A little tart. Dry tannins. I've had better bottles of this but still not bad.
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7/27/2008 - benjordan wrote:
Testing the water in June 2008. Classic Bordeaux flavors. One note at this point, but seemed to have potential for positive evolution. My next try won't be for a few years.
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7/22/2008 - mreinitz wrote: 90 Points
I continue to like this and wish I bought more. Nice black fruit and very caressing in the mouth.
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7/18/2008 - Snookboy wrote: 90 Points
Really nice little bordeaux. Glad I stocked up.
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7/10/2008 - schway wrote: 89 Points
89+
Day 1: Decanted for 1.5 hrs. Dark fruit, coffee, meat, with oak and herbal notes . Moderate tannins, and moderate to low acidity. Medium-full bodied. Open knit, and rather loosely structured. Fairly well balanced, but not particularly interesting or expressive. Nice with food (lamb chops). Low on character and terroir. Good for the price, but nothing really exceptional about it. Not sure how much this will improve with bottle age. We'll see.
Day 2: Wow! SOO much better. Ripe, dark berries really coming to the fore now. Coffee and toast hover in the background, along with occasional whiffs of minerals and flowers. Tannins seem way more powerful and chewy, giving the wine more weight and more persistence on the finish. Grips and coats the palate. Acidity seems more vibrant as well (although still moderate). Virtually a different wine tonight. Overall, better balanced, better integrated, better structured. Not sure why this is showing so much better and so differently. (Perhaps the food from last night overpowered the wine, both aromatically and on the palate.... Perhaps it just needed aeration....) This WILL improve.
88 on day 1. 90 on day 2.
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7/4/2008 - Amerique wrote: 89 Points
good bordeaux character, medium fruit, tannins need to soften
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6/30/2008 - green-steve wrote: 88 Points
Decanted 2 hours. Nice dark purple medium bodied wine. Nose of blackberry, cassis - palate of the same but somewhat hidden by tannins. Good acidity, medium-long finish. Finished the rest 2 days latter - nose of blackberry, cassis, and floral notes; palate of the same - tannins somewhat resolved but still drying (not unpleasant). Overall a very nice bottle - will try and wait a few years to open the next.
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6/27/2008 - peternelson wrote: 90 Points
ETC Armory Center: Classic Medoc--tabacco leaf, core of cassis, blackberry; rich, tight t’s--great structure. Very nice wine--should age well--give it 5 yrs.
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6/16/2008 - tnewton wrote: 90 Points
Aerated for 1 hour. Impressive fruit with berry, cherry and chocolate undertones. Nice structure w/ very smooth tannins. Great deal.
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6/13/2008 - La Cave d'Argent wrote: 84 Points
Deep ruby robe with red rim. Clean nose, showing moderately intense aromas of coffee, black cherry and licorice. Full-bodied on the palate, with medium acidity and quite coarse tannins. The flavors follow the nose. Medium, very coarse finish. Short-term cellaring is in order. This wine is a disappointment at $24, but the CellarTracker notes make it very clear that I did not do well on the price. Had the wine been $15, I would have been much happier. Drink 1/10-12/16.
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6/6/2008 - bgmb wrote: 86 Points
Good, qpr 2005 Bdx
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5/31/2008 - Rob MacKay wrote: 89 Points
It turned out to be a night of young, low priced, 2005 Bordeaux. Prior to opening this bottle we opened a 2005 Chateau Dubourg, a tiny St. Emilion producer. While that wine was pretty good and showed a lot of character for a value priced 2005, this wine (at the same price) outshone it by quite a bit. The Caronne Ste. Gemme shows amazing quality for a Cru Bourgeios at $14 a bottle. It does take some time to unwind itself but when it does it shows good fruit and with a nice bit of acidity and firm tannins. However, you must keep in mind that you are drinking $14 Bordeaux so don't think that this is going to blow your socks off but it is better then some similar wines at twice the price.
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5/28/2008 - Hazeo wrote: flawed
A little corked, but not excessive
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5/26/2008 - SMG wrote: 87 Points
Did not decant. Nice QPR. Needs about an hour or two of air to help resolve some of the tannins, but drinking well now. Somewhat simple but a nice quaffer and good value.
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5/26/2008 - MRichman wrote:
Bright purple fruit with high acid and tight tannins. Lots of middle palate, but a bit lacking in deeper dark flavors. Very pretty, somewhat delicate with a light feeling in the mouth. Pure, clean. Plenty of fruit, but not a blockbuster. Finishes with some leather and oak. Nice.
B/B-
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5/24/2008 - winenewb068 wrote: 85 Points
Opened and drank over two days. Approachable for an '05 - just give it some air. Some dark fruits, but it's mostly earthy notes/tobacco now. Pretty chewy tannins...austere? Not a standout, but definitely good for what it is.
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5/24/2008 - toontune wrote: 85 Points
Another solid '05 but not a standout.
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5/23/2008 - goofy Yno wrote: 84 Points
decent nose of graphite, tobacco , earth. fairly thin tart mouth. not bad or a $12 wine, but not good either.
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5/20/2008 - MichaelF wrote: 89 Points
Nose a little muted. Dark fruits with layers of flavor (tobacco, dark berries). Very chewy tannins. Definitely needs time
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5/18/2008 - LPskeleton wrote: 91 Points
gorgeous nose, great balance of earth fruit tobacco and pyrazine. balance freshness and concentration. more traditional than others at this price point.
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5/18/2008 - LPskeleton wrote:
gorgeous nose, great balance of earth fruit tobacco and pyrazine. balance freshness and concentration. more traditional than others at this price point.
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5/18/2008 - andycak wrote: 90 Points
Beautiful black fruit, lots of tannin but great balance. Will likely improve over the next several years as the tannin integrates.
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5/16/2008 - Hazeo wrote: 89 Points
Agree with others. Really great QPR for a 2005 bordeaux.
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5/13/2008 - mreinitz wrote: 89 Points
Really liked this for the price. Nice cherry and red fruit on the palate with mineral and some pencil shavings. Tannins were a little rough but resolved with time. Decent finish. Great deal for $15.
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5/12/2008 - danseng wrote: 90 Points
Decanted for 4 hours and drank over the next 2. At the end you could really get a sense of where this wine is going. Great fruit, but still quite tannic. I thought the acidity level was fine. Very long espresso tasting finish. For $14 from Bordeaux in 2005, you will not find a better deal. I wish I had the space to keep a case for 5-10 years.
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5/8/2008 - goofy Yno wrote: 88 Points
nice nose with smoky cedar, raspberry. fair mouth, good balance, wee bit too much acid. rubarb finish.medium bodied. good qpr
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5/6/2008 - keelegl wrote: 90 Points
Pleasantly open nose of ripe dark fruit, spice and oak. Solid core of fruit on the palate, nice balance and structure for med-long term aging. Great QPR at under $15.
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4/28/2008 - Love4Vino wrote:
Very restrained nose. It was rather unexciting and plain. Did not have that much fruit depth or bordeaux-like quality. The Lanessan I had last week was so much better. Maybe it's just not my kind of wine.
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4/28/2008 - ScottG wrote: 86 Points
Bought for $17 at local costco and consumed that night. This is an unflawed, but otherwise unremarkable wine. Smooth and easy drinking but really doesn't seem anything interesting going on. Would buy for a party wine or bbq wine. No idea if this will improve as it doesn't have much structure to speak of either. Just a tiny hint of bordeaux character on the nose and on the finish (earth, pencil lead) otherwise a simple wine with no real sense of place.
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4/27/2008 - the godfather wrote: 87 Points
very average compared to other 2005's I have tasted thus far even at this price point
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4/25/2008 - N2Vin wrote: 87 Points
no formal notes, but of the dozen or so haut medoc and fronsacs I have tasted, this is the weakest.
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4/20/2008 - Brian1970 wrote: 90 Points
Tasted at opening, after 2 hours, after 4 hours. It continued softening and rounding. Black cherries, mild pepper, and cedar. Solid tannic structure. The initial heat blew off, leaving one impression: the 2005 vintage clearly yielded amazing fruit! Silky, crystal purity of fruit. And at only $14? I'm going to buy a few more and lay them down for 5-10 years. If this is what distinguishes the 2005 Bordeaux vintage, intense deep fruit from first growths all the way down, then I'm glad I've been stocking up.
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4/12/2008 - z_willus_d wrote: 88 Points
2+ hr decant cycle in wide-base; deep-purple color and fairly heavy in the glass. At this point, the nose is pretty closed; I get some dark cherry, white pepper, green olives...
Nice acid on tip-of-tongue entry; there's something here that's trying to grab the tip of my tongue, a bit of numbing sensation, which I like. Dark but vibrant fruit on the mid-palate with essentiating dark-chocolate aspects on the finish. The finish is dusty (coats the front teeth) with some drying tannins, and it is of good length. This wine is sure to evolve through the night. (Only got better with time. Very mouth-coating and heavy. Extremely nice pairing to my French cuisine tonight.
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4/9/2008 - jacohen1 wrote: 88 Points
nice earthy nose. bit harsh but not atypical of young left bank bordeaux. decanted for 1.5 hrs and softened a bit. but key was price. a $15 '05 bordeaux. needed nice steak.
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4/8/2008 - pgm wrote: 89 Points
While it doesn't possess all the power and finish of the classified growths, this was really pretty remarkable. Round, ripe cherry and currant fruit, slate/graphite minerality. It's got tannins that are a little harsh right now, but they make it the most firmly structured $14 wine I've ever had, suggesting it might actually improve in a couple years. 89+
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4/7/2008 - CTwine wrote: 87 Points
Nice everyday wine
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4/2/2008 - danibus wrote: 88 Points
Serious QPR. Pop and pour while the other '05s mature. Woulda guessed right bank, but nice and balanced despite all the oak and new world ripeness.
Day 2: There we go. More cedar, complexity, medoc styled. If I had the room I'd lay down a case. 88+
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4/2/2008 - Rhaub wrote: 87 Points
Not sure what to make of this after having an '88 Pichon a couple of days ago. Will this improve with age?
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3/27/2008 - cmbond wrote: 91 Points
Once again outstanding. I know this is ridiculous to be opening right now, but these 2005 Bordeaux are wonderful. From 375 mL, deep purple color to the rim. Nose of black currant, blackberries, herbs, and sweet tobacco. Great, power packed palate with loads of dark fruits, herbs, and earth. Very balanced, with good acidity, huge tannin, but not at all hot. Blockbuster. Better than the 2005 Chateau Corbin, so far.
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3/24/2008 - kstoddard wrote: 87 Points
Dark fruit nose. Tastes of blackcurrant, blackberries, cherries, liquorice and graphite with a touch of green bell pepper. Very well balanced with refreshing acidity. Possessing some green tannins. Nice fruit forward finish. Very approachable compared to most of the top 2005s. Solid Bordeaux and a great QPR.
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3/15/2008 - ggkemp wrote: 90 Points
Fruit on nose, deep garnet color, full body, long finish, moderate tannins. Great value, will try to get a case at current price, $17.
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3/14/2008 - mghomula wrote: 90 Points
Received my case today and wanted to open it up and see what I might be in for down the road. I decanted for 4 hours initially before tasting. Looks like a monster in color; beautiful deep inky purple. Initially significant heat on the nose with subtle sour cherry, berries and minerals. The heat made the sour cherry and berries seem as if they were macerated in brandy. Very little earthiness, not at all what one might expect from a Bordeaux. This baby is tight and holding back at this early age. My wife actually said the nose was almost undetectable. There are dry tannins galore and light fruit on the palate; cherries all going in different directions making it difficult to discern; likely due to its infancy. There is a lot going on but not cohesive; it just hasn’t come together yet. It was silky smooth with a wonderful finish that lingered a bit but not long. Opened up a bit in the 5-6 hour range and closed back down around hour 8. This is going to be something special after 10-15 years. A promising Bordeaux and given the strength of the 05 vintage it is likely to blow up once mature. Amazing for the price point and proper ageing will bring this wine into its own. If its an indication of how good the 05 will be in the better wines there is little doubt the vintage will live up to the hype.
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3/10/2008 - Mrbuzz wrote: 90 Points
Tight, dark berry, plum, dried cherry fruit.....dry tannin, yet smooth, giving up some nice dark chocolate, black licorice, floral violets, old leather. Gives you a little snapshot of a good Bordeaux, in an easy drinking, tasty simple way....yet has a great structure for more. For $13....INSANE QPR! ++pts
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3/4/2008 - DenisLee wrote:
I'm not getting all the hype. It was just ok for me.
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3/3/2008 - cmbond wrote:
Decanted 2 hrs. from a 375 mL bottle. Deep, opaque purple color to the rim. Wow, these 2005s even look like blockbusters. I don't remember the tasting note that well right now, but both Camille and I were astounded by the quality of this Cru Bourgeois, and would recommend stocking up on wines like this while waiting the 15+ years on the classified growths. This was great wine at a great price. 90-91 points, but will reserve judgement until another bottle.
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2/16/2008 - winolee wrote: 90 Points
The other wine we tasted, next to the Ch Pipeau - so we had a right bank bordeaux, and this one is a left bank bordeaux. In the beginning, this was closed, hard to drink, very tannic and has an astringent taste. After it was left to breathe for a while
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2/15/2008 - Moorese wrote: 89 Points
Loads of fruit, loads of tannin. Bits of mocha, green pepper, and vanilla bean, along with high-toned red fruits. Plenty of structure, plenty of depth. Given the price, I see no reason not to be optimistic about this wine.
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2/9/2008 - quacken wrote: 88 Points
Nice structure but pretty tannic. Has potential. Could get a few more points with time.
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2/9/2008 - CTwine wrote: 85 Points
Very tannic dry dusty feel in the mouth not as good as expected from WS rating
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1/20/2008 - jhannah27 wrote: 87 Points
This wine was a bit of a rollercoaster. At first it was a bit closed, although the nose was nice showing plum, berries, and cedar. Then the palate opened up into this great blend of berries, oak, and cedar, with a fairly smooth finish. Then it closed up even tighter than the first glass, but became quite tannic on the finish. By the last bit (about 2 1/2 hours later), it found a middle ground and was quite enjoyable. At the price who wants to lay this down, but as long as it can figure out what it wants to be when it grows up, it definitely has the build to improve with some time in the bottle.
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1/20/2008 - Snookboy wrote: 88 Points
Inky red purple. A little fruit and berrty on the nose, but pretty closed. Nice fruit on the palette. Better than expected. Tannins a bit harsh and astringent. Potential for it to be a very decent wine. Will wait at least a year before resampling.
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1/17/2008 - slaughterer wrote: 90 Points
A major--and much welcome--change in style for this Q/P king of the left bank. Whereas in the past Caronne was always robust/rustical, now it is modern/classical. Whereas in the past, we had oily black berries, now we have lifted red berries. Whereas in the past the tannins were unresolved in the first 5 years, now they are nicely integrated.
Lovely color, thick, concentrated, smooth: weak nose, but strong palate of red berries, chocolate, and vanilla. One of the best 05 cru bourgois tasted so far by me.
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1/13/2008 - John wrote:
closed as hell. nothing going on here. even with 4+ hours. second day, nothing as well. will let my case rest for at least 3 years! no score given. if i must we're talking in the 70's
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12/23/2007 - Old_Winyards wrote: 87 Points
Lots of Bordeaux cru bourgeois typicity to this wine. Deep ruby color, classic graphite and cedar nose, restrained currant fruit and pencil lead on the palate. Good structure and reasonble but not overwhelming tannins. Over time it developed a bit of sour cherry flavor and slightly drying tannins. A bit more austere than I expected from such a young '05, but perhaps that's a product of the tannins. Suspect this may round out and improve over time. Very pleasing cru bourgeois Bordeaux.
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12/12/2007 - jahlove wrote: 90 Points
I bought another 375 mL just to confirm my initial impression. The wine showed even better. The recent spike in Bordeaux prices just sent the 750 mL bottle over $20. I should have bought more dammit. Anyway, I had this open longer than the first time. It's just classic Bordeaux. Notes are similar to the first bottle - blackberry, vanilla, a little bit of currant, and lots of chocolate but also showing a little more vegetables than before. This is the real deal. Great showing for this chateau.
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12/12/2007 - soyhead wrote: 83 Points
decanted overnight. still very closed nose, tannic mouthfeel. Some nice sour cherry in the mouth. Needs time, could consider rescoring in a few years, but in my opinion hard to really see (see below) what everyone is so excited about here...
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12/9/2007 - signotim wrote: 88 Points
nice nose when popped. deep purple color. not giving anything on first taste. 3 hours of air and it's coming to life. looks and tastes like a serious bordeaux wine. good structure but not much depth to the fruit. better on the second night but didn't last long. a very good wine that needs some time.
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12/5/2007 - schway wrote: 89 Points
89+. Deep purplish-ruby. Reticent on the nose: a little vanilla-scented wood, some heat, earthiness which blows off quickly, some light berry fruit peaking through, hints of chocolate and minerals. Nice bright fruit on the palate -- surprisingly tending more towards red than black: lots of sour cherries, some boysenberry and raspberry. Quite lively acidity. Smooth, silky, racy and elegant. Very fine tannins. Subtle, but lingering, finish. With ample aeration, the chocolate character really starts to emerge, especially on the finish. This wine feels tight and closed now, maybe even a tad acidic. But certainly not austere. There's great concentration of fruit underneath, and there appears to be plenty of structure for the medium to long haul. Good value. DECANT. (Incidentally, I had the '05 Clos Chaumont last night, which I feel is drinking better now (richer, riper, broader), but I think this Caronne may in the end develop into the finer wine.) Hard to believe these "minor" appellations are performing so well. What a vintage!
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11/27/2007 - magyarsvensk wrote: 89 Points
Very tasty.
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11/20/2007 - jahlove wrote: 89 Points
This is actually an 89-90 for me. I've had the last few vintages of this cru bourgeois and this one is by far the best. If this is any indication of how good 05 Bordeaux really is, I can't imagine what the top wines must be like. But who cares, when you can get pleasure at this price point. This wine is still rediculously young. The first hour or so it gives almost nothing on the nose, just a hint of wood. But then it starts to open up nicely. The nose has that great Bordeaux stink that turns my wife's nose up, but also wonderful vanilla aromas as well. The palette gains weight with air, showing sweet blackberry, transitioning to a very obvious, rich chocolate that stretches out on the finish. This wine is richer and fuller than in previous vintages. At this price point, it just can't hurt to stash some of this away.
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