Killing a 2005 Bordeaux

I have a few 2005 Bordeaux bottles laying around waiting for that magical day in the future when they truly are ready to be opened. I made that stash a little leaner this weekend by cracking open a 2005 Clos Du Marquis. It had been too long since indulging on a nice Bordeaux- I couldn't help myself.

Clos Du Marquis is a second wine of one of Saint-Julien's top chateaux, the "Super" Second Growth Château Léoville-Las Cases. Léoville-Las Cases rivals the left bank First Growths in acclaim; a dream wine for me to be sure. They were one of the first Chateaux to produce a second wine. First produced in 1902, Clos Du Marquis is made from a completely separate parcel of vineyards that is surrounded on all sides by other Second Growths. The blend is primarily Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with a little higher percentage of Merlot than in the Grand Vin. There are also small percentages of Petit Verdot and Cab Franc.

I opened and decanted and started drinking the wine with dinner at about the three hour mark. It was tight initially but quickly opened. By hour four through the rest of the evening it was an open and giving wine with balance and elegance and a fine but firm structure. Still very youthful, but definitely making the experience of opening early worthwhile. It was definitely true to the appellation of Saint-Julien's balance of grace and power.

My notes- Clos Du Marquis 2005 Saint-Julien- Four hour decant. Dense medium garnet in color. Layered bouquet with notes of violets, crushed stone, cassis & blueberry. Very fine and polished on the palate- initially tight but started to open up after the third hour. The flavors were mostly consistent with the bouquet- elegant pure fruit and savory floral & mineral depth. Oak is well integrated with just hints of cocoa. Fine opulent tannins and full finishing notes of blue & black fruit. (Rating- I like++!) Give this 5-8 years and it will move firmly into "I love!" territory. $50-$60.