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La Bienfaisance 2005

RegionBordeaux
Subregion France > Bordeaux > Right Bank > St Emilion
ColourRed
TypeStill
Grape VarietyMerlot

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Tasting Notes

A stunning effort from this property in St.-Christophe des Bardes, this 25-acre vineyard is planted with 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. Made in a flamboyant style for the vintage, it reveals a dense purple color along with an expressive, ostentatious nose of sweet cherry liqueur intermixed with creme de cassis, toast, spring flowers, incense, melted licorice, and chocolate. Full-bodied with high but sweet, velvety tannins, it is already approachable, but promises to develop more nuances over the next decade. It should last for 20+ years. Kudos to the proprietor and his wine consultant, Stephane Derenoncourt.

92
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (176), April 2008

A breakthrough effort for this 25-acre vineyard in St.-Christophe des Bardes, this blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc boasts the talented Stephane Derenoncourt as its consultant. The dense ruby/purple hue is accompanied by aromas and flavors of sweet cherries, cassis, pain grille, and spice. Full-bodied with moderately high but sweet, well-integrated tannin, this beauty should age effortlessly for 15 or more years.

91/94
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (170), April 2007

As are many 2005s, this is the finest wine yet produced at this property. La Bienfaisance’s clay and limestone soils have resulted in a black/purple-colored effort displaying superb aromas of melted licorice, espresso roast, black fruits, and spice. Rich and pure, with good acidity, plenty of definition, and a heady, layered, powerful mouthfeel as well as texture, it will benefit from 3-4 years of cellaring, and drink well for 15-20 years.

92/94
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (164), April 2006
Please note that these tasting notes/scores are not intended to be exhaustive and in some cases they may not be the most recently published figures. However, we always do our best to add latest scores and reviews when these come to our attention. We advise customers who wish to purchase wines based simply on critical reviews to carry out further research into the latest reports.