Disclosure: I do sell the wine (although it is not on our website)
Every time I taste a 2005 Bordeaux I am further convinced that it is the greatest vintage of my lifetime… so far. Balance, balance, balance. The wines are filled with pure fruit but have this very nice tension that I enjoy and look for. It’s not all blobs of low acid fruit, as they are alive, vibrant and refreshing. Fieuzal is no exception. Deep ruby color gives way to a textbook Graves nose of wet stones, gravel, mushrooms, minerals and tobacco. It’s Pessac and you know it. Flavors of licorice, dark fruits and a deft touch of oak. This is another one of those fine values that will surprise many in 5-10 years. Classic juice all the way.
Max, I was trying to explain this very thing recently. I think the reason 2005 is the best vintage I have seen is because of depth. From top to bottom the wines are great. The best wines of this vintage may not overpower the best wines from other vintages . . . but so what. The upper crust is still superb. The middle is outstanding and everything below that is the BEST ever.
Yep, as far as consistency only 2000 comes close. I have never had more superb wines from $10 and up than in 2005. Really a classic vintage with wines for everybody and every budget.
Thank you for the note on this Max. I’ve been on the fence with this one. I have only had one wine from them, the 89 and it was very tasty. I don’t hear much about them so I wasn’t sure how the recent vintages were.
Thanks for the de Fieuzal 2005 note. I have had a case of the 89 [long gone] and 3 cases of the 90 with only 4 bottles now left. IMO both have been fully mature for years but are still drinking well. Good medium-weight claret that was available at an attractive price.
My last en primeur Bordeaux vintage of real size was 2000 with a much reduced 2001 and 2003 on account of [my] age but if I can buy the odd bottle of certain 2005s [like the de Fieuzal apparently] I will certainly try it. My only 2005s were a case each of de Fonbel and Dame de Montrose which should be early drinkers and my first markers of those certainly tie in with the general comments on 2005.
Thanks for the great note. I have been considering picking some of these up and it’s helpful to see such a great note. I have gone through 9 bottles of the '95, a wine that has been extremely consistent and is, I think, drinking really well right now. I picked up the '95s at about $25 and can currently get the '05 for ~$40 so not much in the way of price appreciation over ten years.
I have also been considering the white – any thoughts on that one?
Dave
1995 Château de Fieuzal- France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan (7/14/2006)
Wow is this showing well. On the nose I get dark fruit, lots of smoke, and gravel/earth. On the palate this shows rich dark fruit, with smoke and earthy elements. It is medium to full weight, with great balance, and a nice long finish. The tannins are present, but well integrated. This paired very well with grilled New York strip and braised garlic pasta.
Thanks for the note- i think good things are happening at this chateau- the new gm/winemaker stephen carrier was the winemaker at newton in napa for awhile- he and the owner are really investing quite a bit in everything there- i am looking forward to great things; the white is also very good and overall these are pretty good value wines.