2005 Citran, Haut-Médoc

This is an equal-part blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Good, dense fruit as well as some toasty new oak and spice jump from the glass of this dark ruby/purple-colored wine. Approachable and showing well, this 2005 is medium to full-bodied, ripe and very well-made.

Coming from one of the oldest properties in Bordeaux, Cirtan is situated in the Haut-Médoc, just inland from Margaux. We've carried various vintages over the years, but this has become an instant favorite of mine. From the famed 2005 vintage on its twentieth birthday, I really adore how it expresses the vintage—perfectly ripe, but bright acids, pure fruit, and good structure. It's also holding very strong at this stage in the game—there's a wonderful mature claret character, but it is also refreshing and full of bright fruit. All in all, just a perfect spot for this gem, but I'd guess the structure will carry it for another ten years with ease. It begs for a meal, but there's charm on its own as well. For an aged Bordeaux that hits all the right notes, it'll be nearly impossible to find a 2005 of this caliber for our current going rate.