Popped and poured - Lots of black currant/cassis on the nose. Taste is full of dark cherries, chocolate and iodine (herbal notes). Texture and mouth-feel is very smooth, with all components nicely integrated; good structure all around. Is drinking well now and should continue to do so over the next 3-5 years.
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I like this wine a whole lot. Mainly for the QPR (Quality-Price Ratio). It wais the most approachable of four 2005 I tasted this evening and the least expensive. Right off the bat I thought it was a GSM, imagine how blown away I was when I found out it was 70% Merlot and 30 Cab Sauv, i.e. no Grenache and no Syrah. On the nose it's heavy with dark fruit, minty vanilla ice cream, and just a bit of chalk. In the mouth it's full of cherries and currant, and some tobacco by ways of the Cab Sauv. Floral aspect was a bit weak. Tannins were gripping but very approachable... should be much nicer in 6-12 months but definitely drinkable now. Finished a bit short but the fruit dominated which I liked a lot. Again, should be improved with age.
I will see if I can pick up a case of this stuff at below $25 per bottle. A very nice wine at recession friendly price.
DRINK UP!
And remember... you don't drink the label.
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Of all the 2005's tasted today, this is definitely the most approachable right now, and it has a strong QPR as well. Nose has great black fruits, mineral and earth. Taste is like dirty stones, dark cherries and tobacco. While this is still on the tannic side, it still had a smooth and light mouthfeel. If you're looking for an inexpensive place to get into the 2005 vintage, this is a great place to start as it is approachable now and has the structure to improve with some aging.
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Definitely ready to drink now and a really nice value too! The nose is already showing a nice earthiness with cassis, minerals and dark fruits. Smooth texture with a touch of oak and soft tannins on the finish.
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This one is very approachable. Not complicated. It lacks a long finish, but boasts lots of dark berry fruits. Light on the tannins and probably better to drink in the next couple of years.
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4/6/2019 - Tpmess wrote: 90 Points
mature with cherry tones
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3/22/2013 - skp88 wrote: 88 Points
A decent entry level Bordeaux when you want a good steak wine with nice grippy tannins and dark fruits
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11/21/2010 - aaronwine wrote: 89 Points
Drinking well. Improved on second and third night. Fruit seems darker and richer than first time tasted two years ago.
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9/1/2010 - Fozziedoggie wrote: 89 Points
Popped and poured - Lots of black currant/cassis on the nose. Taste is full of dark cherries, chocolate and iodine (herbal notes). Texture and mouth-feel is very smooth, with all components nicely integrated; good structure all around. Is drinking well now and should continue to do so over the next 3-5 years.
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12/13/2008 - kietkopelli wrote: 91 Points
I like this wine a whole lot. Mainly for the QPR (Quality-Price Ratio). It wais the most approachable of four 2005 I tasted this evening and the least expensive.
Right off the bat I thought it was a GSM, imagine how blown away I was when I found out it was 70% Merlot and 30 Cab Sauv, i.e. no Grenache and no Syrah. On the nose it's heavy with dark fruit, minty vanilla ice cream, and just a bit of chalk. In the mouth it's full of cherries and currant, and some tobacco by ways of the Cab Sauv. Floral aspect was a bit weak. Tannins were gripping but very approachable... should be much nicer in 6-12 months but definitely drinkable now. Finished a bit short but the fruit dominated which I liked a lot. Again, should be improved with age.
I will see if I can pick up a case of this stuff at below $25 per bottle. A very nice wine at recession friendly price.
DRINK UP!
And remember... you don't drink the label.
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3/29/2008 - drwine2001 wrote:
Minor 2005 Bordeaux, Major Quality (The Wine Club, San Francisco): Dark color with an interesting aroma of camphor and mint. In the mouth, deep black fruit with notable tannin and structure. This one needs 5-7 years to soften.
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3/15/2008 - jhannah27 wrote:
Of all the 2005's tasted today, this is definitely the most approachable right now, and it has a strong QPR as well. Nose has great black fruits, mineral and earth. Taste is like dirty stones, dark cherries and tobacco. While this is still on the tannic side, it still had a smooth and light mouthfeel. If you're looking for an inexpensive place to get into the 2005 vintage, this is a great place to start as it is approachable now and has the structure to improve with some aging.
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3/15/2008 - Rob MacKay wrote: 90 Points
Definitely ready to drink now and a really nice value too! The nose is already showing a nice earthiness with cassis, minerals and dark fruits. Smooth texture with a touch of oak and soft tannins on the finish.
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3/15/2008 - Matt T wrote: 89 Points
This one is very approachable. Not complicated. It lacks a long finish, but boasts lots of dark berry fruits. Light on the tannins and probably better to drink in the next couple of years.
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