JAR
Member #50,271 signed up 4/8/2008
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2005 Château d'Issan
4/2/2009 - JAR wrote: 95 Points
It should be noted that I decanted this bottle for about five hours and drank it over a two day period.
I was pleasantly surprised that even at this young age, this wine has no noticeable hard edges. I am glad that this wine is only aged on 50% new barriques, as this clearly prevents the oak from overwhelming all other components (specially its delicious black fruit). It exhibits well rounded tannings and lively acidity. Overall, this 2005 d'Issan displayed a voluptous mouth-fill that I really enjoyed.
Based on this wine balance and impressive length (i.e. 1+ minute), I have no doubt of the staying power of this wine. It definitely will not surprise me if I ever rate this wine higher.
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2005 Château Laforge
10/26/2008 - JAR wrote: 95 Points
Although not typically referenced as a "garangiste" chateau, Jonathan Maltus is definitely implementing "garangiste" practices when he made the 2005 Laforge. According to Stephen Brook (i.e. author of the book "The Complete Bordeaux"), "the vinification is similar to that of Le Dome, though with more use of micro-oxygenation and lees-stirring; however the proportion of new oak is 50%."
The 2005 Laforge is a full-bodied, deep-red beautiful wine. After a two hour decanting, the wine displayed over the next three hours (1) an spicy nose of licorice and tobacco; and (2) a pronounced blackberry palate with cedar, oaky, earthy, smoky flavors. Looking forward for the tertiary aromas that this wine will develop with prolonged cellaring. Drink it over the next 20 years.
FWIW: the 2005 Laforge impressed me so much that I went back to the store and bought four six-bottle cases for future consumption/enjoyment.
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2005 Château Bellisle Mondotte
10/19/2008 - JAR wrote: 90 Points
I did not decant it because surprisingly it was open for business. Dranked it in a 5-hour period and continually improved over the timeframe. Great aromas. In particular, I picked up blackberries, Cedar, and subdued oak. The palate showed some rustic qualities and earthy undertones along with velvety tannins. Superb effort for this right bank estate located near Tertre-Roteboeuf.
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