The Bordeaux 2005

Never before the wine world has witnessed such a frantic time when vintage 2005 in Bordeaux was harvested late October.

This is without doubt an excellent year for Bordeaux, where the season-long drought through spring and summer led to berries much smaller than usual, meaning a higher skin-to-juice ratio so plenty of colour and tannin, and very ripe, sweet fruit.

This is the region, where the growers are well known for flaunting and trumpeting their latest vintage as 'the greatest' every few years, but I have got a feeling this would come true to their 2005's almost perfect effort. For some, this vintage might surpass such legendary years as 1982 and 2000.

With demand strong and supplies of top producers limited, price may not be the only challenge facing would-be buyers. Importers may also struggle to get the allocations they want from the Bordeaux brokers.

One proprietor, Anthony Barton of Chateau Leoville-Barton, who prices 'for consumers' rather than investors, put out a general plea for calm. 'The market will go crazy, there's no doubt of that, and prices will zoom up because in the US in particular they will pay any price. I just hope people will be sensible.'

However not all is doom and gloom for wine lovers. With all the experts pointing to 2005 as being a truly great vintage, there would be many wines available to buy without hurting your bank balance.

Unlike the last few vintages, 2005 is successful in every Bordeaux appellations and levels, and it gives smart consumer a wide array of selections across the board.

Chateau Colon Segur
This great property with a fabulous terroir and traditional winemaking is on the mend after series of disappointment in 70's and mid 80's. The wine has certainly become more concentrated, richer, almost decadent in recent vintages but thankfully prices have remained modest, especially so in comparison to those of traditional rivals and neighbours Cos d'Estournel and Montrose. Exhibits dark fruits and a hint of tobacco, earthy and spice. Sweet and broad finish. A wine of classic structure and longevity.

Clos du Marquis
(2nd Wine of Chateau Leoville Las Cases)
Like next-door neighbour Latour, Leoville Lascases produces a second label that equals classed growth quality, the 2005 Clos du Marquis is probably their best effort ever. This is a very solidly structured wine, with currants, minerals and berries on the nose and palate. Full-bodied, with lively fresh berries and lovely suppleness.

Chateau Grand Puy Lacoste
Following a period of mixed performances, Grand-Puy-Lacoste's 2005 is their finest effort since 2000 and 1996.Lively with lots of refreshing acidity on the nose. Very rich, powerful and sweet on the entrance. The palate it is packed with cassis fruit, minerals, and hints of dark chocolate. Quite refined with a sophisticated and classy character.

Chateau Prieure Lichine
Quality has increased significantly since 1999, and this estate has never made a wine as impressive as their 2005. A deep black colour, lots of ripe cherries and blackberries on the nose, with velvety tannins and a medium finish. Very attractive and relatively forward in overall style.

Chateau Leoville Barton
Consistently brilliant quality in recent years and a reasonable pricing policy makes this one of the serious player in Bordeaux. The only problem here is not being able to source enough of it to satisfy demand. Generous nose with roasted, spices and cassis notes. Dominant and weighty on the palate with staggering depth and concentration. Set for the very long-term evolution, definitely one of the wines of the vintage.

Chateau Pichon Longueville Baron
This great vineyard has been producing classic Pauillac since the late 1980's when Jean-Michel Cazes of Lynch Bages took control. For the last few years, Englishman Christian Seely has been in charge and quality continues to rise. Concentrated and powerful on the palate, this is a strong, masculine, chewy, massive wine which at this stage impresses more for its depth and length than it does for its elegance.

Chateau du Tertre
This property is now producing very good wines again with the same winemaking team as Chateau Giscours. 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot in 50% new oak. Rich and forward with coffee, cassis and chocolate dominating. Round, full and sweet palate, and a real charmer with fine tannins and fresh finish. This is a modern, well-crafted style of Margaux that offers drinking pleasure on the medium rather than long-term cellaring.