2005
2005
Joseph Phelps Insignia 2005 Napa Valley
American Red
Deeply coloured, concentrated and layered, with black cherry, cassis, blackberry and currant lifted by dried violet, rose, anise, graphite, cedar and roasted herb. The palate is classically structured, combining vibrant fruit with fresh acidity, polished tannins and a mineral edge. Rich yet balanced, it finishes persistent and mouth-coating; allow generous air and serve with grilled beef or lamb.
Caymus 2005 Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
American Red
Black cherry and blackberry lead a generous, fruit-forward profile, with vanilla, seasoned oak and earthy notes adding depth. Creamy in both flavour and texture, the palate is broad and smooth without losing its savoury outline. Dark fruit and gentle spice carry evenly through the long, polished finish. Serve with grilled steak or braised short ribs.
Duckhorn 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa
American Red
Blackberry, cassis and blueberry liqueur shape a fragrant, deeply fruited nose. The palate expands through black cherry and dark plum, with firm tannins and clear acidity giving the fruit definition. Vanilla and tobacco emerge on the powerful, structured finish. Decant before serving with roast beef, grilled lamb or aged cheddar.
Duckhorn 2005 Merlot Napa
American Red
Blackcurrant and ripe cherry lead a full, richly layered palate, joined by dark chocolate, violet and liquorice. Smoky oak adds depth without obscuring the fruit, while dense, intricate tannins provide definition and length. Generous yet composed, it finishes with lingering dark berry and cocoa tones. Pair with lamb, roast beef or mushroom dishes.
Boudreaux Cellars 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Washington
American Red
Dark, concentrated and dense, with a slightly reserved nose that opens toward blackberry liqueur and savoury herbs. The palate is full-bodied and lush, carrying substantial fruit through a compact, structured frame. Its weight is balanced by herbal lift, leaving a focused, warming finish with lingering dark-fruit depth.
Torbreck 2005 The Pict Mataro
Australian Red
Forest floor and black truffle meet blueberry and blackberry liqueur on a deep, complex nose. The palate is full-bodied and layered, with concentrated dark fruit carried by firm structure and a compact, savoury frame. Mature yet still powerful, it benefits from decanting and suits slow-roasted lamb, braised beef, venison, grilled mushrooms or aged hard cheese.
Rozès 2005 Vintage Port
Portuguese Fortified
Dark ruby with a mature amber rim, opening on mulberry, liquorice, fudge and cocoa. Marzipan and roasted coffee add aromatic depth. Medium-bodied, sweet and finely balanced on the palate, it feels mature and composed rather than heavy. The chocolate and coffee tones gather through a complex, attractive finish that is long, elegant and quietly generous.
Château La Mission Haut-Brion 2005 Pessac-Léognan
French Red
Sweet blackberry, cassis and spring flowers open over crushed rock and earthy mineral notes. Full-bodied and richly layered, the palate combines warm dark fruit with velvety yet firm tannins and an energetic backbone. Tobacco, cedar and savoury spice add depth before the exceptionally long, textured and precise finish.
Château Lafite Rothschild 2005 Pauillac
French Red
Youthful and classically structured, with pure red fruit, cassis and flowers layered with lead pencil, cigar box, thyme and a saline mineral note. The palate is full-bodied, bright and firm, combining chewy tannins with impressive freshness and length. Best held for further development; if opened now, give it four to six hours in a decanter and serve with roast beef or lamb.
Pétrus 2005 Pomerol
French Red
Youthful and intensely concentrated, with blueberry, floral notes, vanilla and coffee emerging from a layered, refined bouquet. The palate combines remarkable depth with fresh acidity, ripe tannins and a silky, well-integrated texture, carrying its fruit through a long, expansive finish. Give it three to four hours in a decanter and serve with pork ribs, roast lamb or beef.