WTN: Perse Strings

[David M. Bueker]

2005 Clos Les Lunelles (Cotes de Castillon)
Parker called this the greatest wine he had ever tasted from the Cotes de Castillon, and I actually agree with him. It's interesting in that the highly ripe, and highly structured 2005 has been allowed to be both. This is a ripe wine, but it's also full of tannin as well as notably high acidity. This baby needs time and lots of it. Is it too big for fans of traditional Bordeaux? Yes it is. Is is out of balance? No it is not.

I blew through most of my 2001 Clos Les Lunelles, but this one is going to sit and wait...unless I grill some more lamb chops.

You can always drink some '03 (or some '06, for that matter) while waiting for your '05s to mature.

My 2001s are still resting. I haven't opened one in 4 years!

The 2005 certainly sounds wonderful, but pricey.

[David M. Bueker]

'05 was $34, so not really any more than prior vintages considering rising exchange rates.

Oh, $34? That's not bad. I thought it was more like $50.

I don't mind an occasional supermodern Bdx, but much happier at $20 than $45. I haven't tried the '05, but based on '01 and '04 (well made wines for sure, just not my thing) not looking.
But if you like the style, the '04 is also a big plush wine (especially for vintage), and Max Marinucci has it on sale for $20-22.