2005

Vintage Quality: Legendary

Current Status: Ready to drink

The 2005 vintage in Bordeaux was exceptional, offering top-notch wines. A warm start to the growing season ensured successful grape development. Although it was dry, rains came at the right time, preserving the acidity and aromas in the grapes. The harvest was fantastic, with small, dense, and concentrated grapes.

Pauillac was probably the star of the Left Bank, producing stunning examples of Cabernet Sauvignon, and Margaux and Saint-Estèphe also produced classic, grand wines. Saint-Julien made some excellent wines, but with a slightly more restrained, sophisticated character ideal for long-term aging. Pessac-Léognan and Graves delivered rich, refined wines that were a bit stricter than their Médoc counterparts.

On the Right Bank, Saint-Émilion experienced slightly warmer conditions than the rest of Bordeaux and consequently produced massive, bold, tannic wines that were mostly exceptional, though a few struggled with unruly tannins. However, time spent in the cellar likely smoothed some rough edges. Pomerol was equally strong, producing a breathtaking vintage.

Red wines from both the Left and Right Banks achieved an excellent balance between fruit, tannins, alcohol, and acidity. The reds featured a rich core of plush, opulent fruit, while precise acidity ensured that even the densest wines retained freshness, and ripe tannins provided the structure needed for long-term aging without being dry or harsh. White wines, although less universally celebrated, were also excellent, with some great examples from Pessac-Léognan.

Overall, the 2005 vintage in Bordeaux delivered an abundance of undeniably elegant, long-lived, and classy wines. Many top reds will continue to drink beautifully, and the best are likely to have further aging potential.