When you have once-in-a-lifetime vintages, it’s hard not to sound like a broken record. I’m sure everyone now knows, whether they are wine enthusiasts or not, how perfect the Bordeaux growing season of 2005 was. Critics extolled it over megaphones on mountaintops, and the record prices certainly reflected it—they had never been higher at the time.
Another rarity, which is often overlooked in expansive regions, was the fact that grape quality was consistent throughout Bordeaux. This made 2005 a certifiable steal for regional wines, like Château Peyrabon in Haut-Médoc. They are also a Cru Bourgeois, which is a designation annually reviewed by an overseeing board who puts each estate through a three-stage quality process (the châteaux from the 1855 Classification don’t undergo any such quality control). Keeping all this in mind, we’re looking at a under $30 superstar that has 12 years of age under its belt. When dipping your nose in the glass or swishing around a mouthful, this is everything you should expect—and respect—in a classy, mature Bordeaux. Its developed fruits and earthy tones lead into a refreshing, softly textured palate, placing it right in its peak drinking window. This is the epitome of Bordeaux and if you like anything French, better yet, anything “Old World,” this is a must-purchase.