The Great Bordeaux Hype?

HK Golfer wine editor Robin Lynam assesses the much-lauded 2005 Bordeaux and questions whether it lives up to its label as the vintage of a lifetime

Investment grade wines are the first growths, and a number of the other better known Chateaux from the 1855 Classification. Those buying with future drinking in mind however can still find value for money if they are prepared to look further afield.

Parker recommends less well known appellations and subregions such as Côtes de Castillon, Montagne St-Émilion and Listrac.

Pegna suggests considering Chateau La Conseillante in Pomerol and Chateau Haut- Bailly in Graves, Moulin-St-Georges in St- Émilion or for drinking on a more modest budget Chateau Villa-Bel-Air in Graves which offers fine 2005s, currently for less than two hundred dollars per bottle. The cheaper wines will, of course, reach the peak of their potential much earlier than the first growths.

As with all vintages, only time will tell whether the hype was warranted, but at this stage 2005 looks like a good bet. Just be patient with it. - RL

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Written by Robin Lynam

Click here to see the published article.

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