2005 Château Franc Grace-Dieu

JancisRobinson.com

• By Jancis Robinson, MW
  4/18/2006, (See more on JancisRobinson.com...)

  (Ch Franc Grâce Dieu St-Émilion Red) Subscribe to see review text.

Garagiste

• By Jon Rimmerman
  12/30/2008, (See more on Garagiste...)

  (FRANC GRACE DIEU) 2005 Bordeaux Dear Friends, Everyone seems to be peddling end of year specials right now so here's a bit more fuel for the fire: another 2005 Bordeaux priced at less than the first-tranche tarrif 2-3 years ago. This wine was supposed to arrive four months ago (as a fall offer) but it just landed today - not the best timing as it is already on the books for 2008. That means a cut-rate price for you until Weds the 31st. In a nutshell - this is 2005, it's St. Emilion Grand Cru and it's the winery's Grand Vin . It was tough to make poor wine in 2005 and those with soil like this do not sell their wine for this price. A full-toned, smokey, velvety wine full of intense cherry, black fruit and mineral-rich structure - this is enjoyable now with 2-3 hours of decant or it will certainly evolve for several years in the cellar. Is this 2005 Ausone? No, but it's a great little everyday wine that almost all of us will find a place for. I always harp on this but, can you imagine a Napa winery's top Bordeaux-inspired cuvee ? It puts it into perspective how good of a value the Old-World can be...even with taxes, a weak dollar and around the world shipping factored into the cost (which comparably makes this more like $7-8 if domestic). A Right Bank bargain with a grand vintage at its core. We have a terrific price on this wine, even lower than in Europe. This parcel is directly from the source with perfect provenance. 2005 Chateau Franc Grace-Dieu (St. Emilion Grand Cru) Thank you, Jon Rimmerman Garagiste Seattle, WA Bord7811