There are many important factors that come into play in producing top class wines. One of the most important is something that the wineries and winemakers have zero control over, climate.

Mother Nature can be a mad scientist, and during any given year can wreak havoc on entire vineyards in multiple regions. However, there are some years when she smiles upon those same regions, and the combination of perfect climate, healthy soil and vines, and proper harvesting can lead to an abundance of great wine. Such is the case with the 2005 Bordeaux wines.

The 2005 vintage in Bordeaux has been called one of the best EVER by most experts! This is based on how the wines tasted straight out of the oak barrels before they were even bottled, and how they showed soon after bottling. Now these wines have had some time to age in the bottle and are showing what they are made of…and they are rockin!

It’s one of those years where it is hard to find a bad wine from anywhere in the region. Overall the fruit is still concentrated and lush, but the tannins are mellowing out making for smooth and velvety wines. Not only are they drinking beautifully now, but they are still in their mid life and most will continue to age even longer!

The point being these 2005 Bordeaux wines are really something special yet are dwindling in inventory. So go out and grab some while you can! There are so many sub regions, Chateaus and labels in Bordeaux that each local wine shop will probably have their own favorites in stock. I have listed a few of my go to Bordeaux value picks below (most are pretty readily available), but the truth is almost any Bordeaux with that magical 2005 number on it is going to be truly enjoyabe. Cheers!

Chateau Greysac (Medoc)  –   $10-15

Chateau Bonnet (Bordeaux) – $10-15

Chateau Morin (St. Estephe) – $14-20

Domaine Baron de Rothschild Reserve Speciale (Bordeaux) $14-20

Chateau Senilhac (Haut-Medoc) $18-25

Chateau Clairefont (Margaux) $20-25

Chateau des Graviers (Margaux) $25-30

Chateau Laroque Grand Cru Classe (St. Emilion) $37-45

Chateau Talbot Grand Cru Classe (St. Julien) $50-60