91+ 2005 Chateau Caronne Ste. Gemme (Haut-Medoc) 8/8/09 ($24/$15-futures)
13.5% alc
Color: Deep purple garnet. (3.0) Bouquet: Black pepper and eucalyptus complementing rich cassis and blackberry fruit with some cedar. Concentrated. (3.0) Body: Light heavyweight with substantial tannins balanced by concentrated fruit. Also a good dose of integrated oak. Tannins and fruit coat the mouth with some silkiness. (3.5) Flavor: Parallels bouquet with a solid mid-palate and plenty of rich cassis. Delicious. (3.5) Finish: Parallels flavor with some bitterness from tannin and oak, but this should integrate with time.(3.0)
Overall: Impressive for the appellation, showing the greatness of the vintage. Very satisfying even now, if you give it 1-2 hours in a decanter and serve it with red meat. Should improve in the next 2-5 years. Great value at retail and amazing at the futures price. (16.0)
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