2005 Chateau Haut Lavallade

The 2005 Bordeaux’ have been hailed as one of the modern era’s greatest vintages drawing comparisons to legendary years such as 1982, 1990 & 2000. Robert Parker describes it as ”the greatest vintage produced during my 30-year career.” And whilst prices of the First and Second growths have reached astronomical proportions, unlike some of the previously legendary vintages the extraordinary levels of quality have not just been restricted to the top houses. With great advances in modernization, lower yields, improved winemaking & viticultural techniques taking place over the last 10-15 years across all of Bordeaux some of the lesser known estates and appellations have produced some of their best wines from the 2005 vintage. One such example is Chateau Haut Lavallade.

Chateau Haut Lavallade is a family business founded in 1850 and today is run by the sixth generation of winemakers. The wine is a blend of predominately Merlot along with some Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon produced from vines with an average age of 35 years situated on clay and limestone soil. Maturation takes place in a combination of new (20%) and older (80%) oak casks and is bottled without filtration.

Excellent deep black crimson colour with black crimson hue. Lifted nose of violets, cedar and blackcurrant. The palate is impressive, showing Classic Bordeaux Cabernet qualities. Confectionary, cedar, spice and blackcurrant flavours are supported by fine dryish, perfectly balanced tannins. Aftertaste of cedar and spice.
Cellar 4-5 years (2012-2013)
Alc/Vol: 13.5%

First Tasted, March 2008:
Very deep colour almost opaque, black crimson with crimson mauve hue. The nose displays vibrant fruit, with good lift. Top note of blackcurrant, followed by spice, confectionary and liquorice. Fine grained tannins, excellent balance. Aftertaste of confectionary, spice and white pepper.
Cellar 3-4 years (2011-2012)
Alc/Vol: 13.5%
90