The 2005 Chateau Margaux is a Bordeaux Blend from the Margaux sub-region of Bordeaux, France. This red wine is a true representation of excellence and sophistication. With a deep, dark purple color, it immediately captivates the eye and hints at the complexity that awaits.
On the nose, the aromas are rich, ripe, and full. Scents of raspberry, cinnamon, clove, and cucumber mingle with subtle hints of green plum. As you take your first sip, the palate is instantly enveloped by the flavors of chocolate-covered cherries. The wine is full-bodied and velvety, with soft and sweet tannins that make it approachable even at this early stage. Fresh notes of raspberry and blackberry dance on the tongue, while the underlying structure promises a beautiful aging potential.
Renowned wine critic Mike Supple of JJ Buckley describes this wine as possibly the Best Wine of 2005. He praises its incredible balance and round, well-integrated tannins. Wine Spectator, another respected publication, awarded it a score of 97, noting its tightness and potential for aging. They describe whispers of alder, bay leaf, tobacco, and singed sandalwood aromas, along with a concentrated core of cassis and blackberry fruit. The long finish reveals echoes of dark earth and iron, leaving a lasting impression.
Neal Martin's Wine Journal gives this vintage a nearly perfect score of 99. He highlights its brilliant precision, amazing focus, and mineral-soaked fruit. The palate is effortless, with sumptuous ripe tannins, perfect acidity, and layers of sensual ripe red fruit. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also praises this wine, giving it a score of 98+. They describe a lavish fragrance of blackcurrants, velvety new saddle leather, spring flowers, and spice. The wood is already concealed beneath the cascade of fruit, and the wine has a finish of 45+ seconds.
James Suckling, a well-known wine critic, awards the 2005 Chateau Margaux a perfect score of 100. He notes the wine's concentration and purity of fruit, with flavors of forest berries and wild raspberries. He advises waiting until after 2015 to fully enjoy this sleeping beauty.
Overall, this vintage of Chateau Margaux is a true masterpiece. Its richness, density, and balanced structure make it a wine to be savored and cherished. Whether enjoyed now or aged for several more years, it promises to deliver an unforgettable experience with every sip.