2005 Chateau Gruaud Larose, St Julien ú360 a case
This is a stunning wine, epitomising St Julien's breed and elegance but with an extra dash of generosity. A fabulous rich nose leads to a structured palate with a lovely weight of ripe, creamy raspberry and loganberry fruit with liquorice and toast hints. The fruit quality is outstanding, with real energy and freshness, topped off by a long, pure finish. The harvest was very late here so the Cabernet Sauvignon (60%) and Merlot (30%) were able to really blossom. Given their reasonable pricing policy this is one of the wines of the vintage for value as well as quality. Drink 2012-2040.
BBR Score: 18.75/20
2005 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc, Pessac-LTognan ú480 a case
"If the Domaine de Chevalier Blanc was sensational last year, the 2005 has taken it to yet another level. Totally awe-inspiring! It rivals Haut Brion Blanc for top white wine in Bordeaux. Massively concentrated, with heady aromas of tropical white fruits, sweet new oak. Rich and medium to full bodied on the palate with a staggering finish of more than 2 mins!! If you choose one great white from 2005 this should be it! Drink from 2010-2020"
BBR 18.5/20
2005 Domaine de Chevalier Rouge, Pessac-Leognan ú300 a case
The best wines of 2005 show an irrepressible energy and as soon as the aromatics of the 2005 Domaine de Chevalier hit you, you can feel the vigour in the rich intoxicating black fruit and the minerally, gravelly overtones that only great Graves can offer. The seemingly endless finish and perfect harmony of this wine, combined with the firm yet supple tannins, immensely concentrated fruit and life-giving acidity look set to make this a legendary Domaine de Chevalier. Drink 2014-2030.
BBR Score 17.5/20
There will be further updates in the coming weeks.
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