On Opening:
Nose: licorice, vanilla, cherry, coffee, pencil graphite
Palate: fine structure, acids are a bit weaker than I’d like but not out of balance with the tannic forefront. Even mouth feel. Not fat (expected) trim but not skeletal.
Finish: stony graphite and vanilla’d cherry prepare a comeback at the end for a pleasing finale.

Overall, that is my first taste of any of the 2005 Bordeaux wines. The 2005’s are purported to be amazing across the board. that bottle ran PB and I about $10 at a midwestern wine shop. For the price it is well worth the purchase. There were no qualms

about readiness to open that wine though many of the 2005 Bordeauxs will need some longer periods in the cellar.

This is a 67% Merlot and 33% Merlot blend and, according to the label it was aged in 100% new French oak barrels. For $10 you really cannot go wrong here.

Do youself a favor and get a nice 2005 Bordeaux to lay down and pick up a bottle of that 2005 Chateau Roland La Garde (Cotes de Blaye) to open and enjoy now.

Raise a Glass!

Original post by Billy