CHATEAU BEAULIEU COMTES DE TASTES - 2005

Believe it or not, some 2005 Bordeaux has already started arriving in stores. Eager to sample the fruit from this proclaimed historic vintage, I didn't hesitate to pick up a bottle.

This early release Bordeaux Superieur is a Grand Vin situated in Salignac (northeast of Bordeaux) and sports a 13.5% alcohol content. The 25-acre vineyard is planted in clay and limestone soils. The 20-year old vines are 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet. Malolactic takes place in barrel and then the wine was aged on its lees for 12 months.

TASTING NOTES:

Deep, dark purple color with a strawberry jam and creme de cassis nose. Rich, intensely saturated and flavorful fruit that tastes like a mix of Welch's grape juice, briar patch berries, and black currant. A hint of creaminess, with a bold, round mouthfeel, firm tannins and a vanilla finish.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

90 PTS
Wow! If this is what 2005 Bordeaux has to offer, then I'm really excited. The power in this bottle reminds me of a Spanish fruit bomb or a California Cabernet. Incredibly grapey and fruit forward. With a few years of cellaring, this bottle can only get better. You have to commend this early release which will clearly be able to take advantage of the 2005 Bordeaux buzz and satisfy the curiosity of impatient wine geeks like myself. A bargain at around $15 a bottle.