2005 Chateau Cote Montpezat

[Drew]

Cotes de Castillon.

Wine Advocate sez:

Chateau Cote Montpezat Cotes de Castillion
Another sleeper of the vintage, this deep ruby/purple-colored wine possesses sweet floral, cranberry and blackberry notes along with a hint of cold steel. Medium-bodied, ripe, and forward, with loads of fruit, glycerin, and soft tannin, it should be consumed during its first 7-8 years of life. 87-89 Points Wine Advocate

Wine Spctator sez:

Wine Spectator (WS): 84
JS: "Has some good fruit, but this is full of new wood that dries the palate. Medium- to full-bodied, with a woody finish. Wait and see. Best after 2008. Tasted twice, with consistent notes."

The speculator hit the nail on the head. Beautiful color and wonderful, yet simple, nose of sweet black berry and Chambord. The fruit is blocked by massive drying tannins and the wine finishes woody. Recorked and visited 24 hours later with the same flavor profile. I bought a few and will lay them down for 3+ years and re-visit. 13.5% Alc/vol. $14

Drew

[This message has been edited by Drew (edited 01-25-2009).]

[hotwine]

Interesting TN, very helpful. Sounds like the trick will be to catch the point at which the splinters have receded before the fruit fades away. It can be done but it takes patience and persistence in sampling at regular intervals, like maybe every six months.... and even then, that sweet spot at which the fruit and the wood are in harmony can be missed. Tricky, verrrrry tricky.

[TheEngineer]

Drew,

I agree with your assessment. For a $14 bottle, it's a pretty damn good deal. I picked up a case of this stuff over the Christmas holidays and will be sitting on them too.