I was given the responsibility of opening and serving this bottle to the guests of a 40th birthday celebration. From double-magnum. Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of a couple of hours. The 2005 pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and signs of significant sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous, with notes of ripe and slightly desiccated fruit: cassis, blackberry, black plum, tobacco, leather, Pablano pepper, vanilla, earth, and warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin (that is mostly integrated) and medium acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. This wine, from this format is in a really lovely spot. Drink now through 2035.
I was given the responsibility of opening and serving this bottle to the guests of a 40th birthday celebration. From double-magnum. Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of a couple of hours. The 2005 pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and signs of significant sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous, with notes of ripe and slightly desiccated fruit: cassis, blackberry, black plum, tobacco, leather, Pablano pepper, vanilla, earth, and warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin (that is mostly integrated) and medium acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. This wine, from this format is in a really lovely spot. Drink now through 2035.
Jun 1st, 2025
Burnt candle wax notes improved to truffles! Go figure! Baked cherries black and bing, with tobacco sweetness, a touch of mint and rosemary, cedar, red currant, and a little grape bottle cap candy (in a good way). Cafe de leche with toffee, licorice and smoke. Really a charmer. This one evolved in the glass, showing so many interesting angles; muscled, but finesse through to the tangy, lip smacking, loitering finish.
Burnt candle wax notes improved to truffles! Go figure! Baked cherries black and bing, with tobacco sweetness, a touch of mint and rosemary, cedar, red currant, and a little grape bottle cap candy (in a good way). Cafe de leche with toffee, licorice and smoke. Really a charmer. This one evolved in the glass, showing so many interesting angles; muscled, but finesse through to the tangy, lip smacking, loitering finish.
4 people found it helpfulSep 25th, 2014
A favorite of mine. Great blend of cab, cab franc, merlot and petite Verdot. Time to drink it!
A favorite of mine. Great blend of cab, cab franc, merlot and petite Verdot. Time to drink it!
Feb 17th, 2015
2005 - Great Bordeaux blend. Menthol, tobacco/chocolate sweet, blackberry, softens in the glass.
2005 - Great Bordeaux blend. Menthol, tobacco/chocolate sweet, blackberry, softens in the glass.
Dec 20th, 2014
Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA
