Tasting Note                          

85+(?)   2005 Rene Bouvier Fixin Crais de Chene    3/8/08 ($40)

13% alc
Color: Medium purple ruby. (3.0) Bouquet: Strong butter, cedar, spiced apple and new green oak with tart cherry and raspberry underneath. (2.5) Body: Solid middleweight plus with good fruit and acidity, but way too much oak. Rich Pinot mouthfeel. (3.0) Flavor: Tart acidity and bitter oak with fruit somewhat closed, similar to bouquet. (2.0) Finish: Parallels flavor, but fruit is a bit more open. (2.5)
Overall: What started out when first opened as all buttery and bitter new oak with hints of tart cherry and acidity (82 pts) has transformed somewhat after 24 hrs of air in the frig. It is now more fruity and enjoyable, but still shows too much spicy oak. Its excellent structure and very good fruit suggest that it may improve in the next 5-7 years, but the oak will always be there. Excellent material, but way too much oak. What a shame! (13.0)