Wine critic Antonio Galloni is going to re-taste the Bordeaux 2005 vintage – wines he last tasted in 2015 – for Vinous.
Given the 2005 vintage was one of the best this century and tipped to “drink well for decades,” according to Galloni, it’s worth looking at which ones he rated mostly highly – and their market performance.
In addition, with its power and structure, this is a vintage whose drinking window has long confounded collectors, which means its merits frequent check-ups. Is this what Galloni’s forthcoming review will reveal?
How the wines rate
Despite what Galloni described as a “spellbinding” array of wines, just two received 100-points at the 2015 retrospective:
- Cheval Blanc, which Galloni said “speaks of total refinement and polish”, while Haut-Brion was described as “truly magnificent”
- Pavie and Margaux both received 99-points
- Three wines received 98-points, and three wines 97-points
Ten wines in total reached this upper band of scores, details of which are in the table below.
How the wines performed
This was a blockbuster vintage at a point when Bordeaux still ruled the fine wine roost and release prices were high for the time.
- All 10 labels have gained in value in the 16 years since their release
- Troplong Mondot and Angélus have enjoyed triple-digit growth.
However, the 2005s, with their excellent reputation for quality and longevity, still offer excellent value in the current market.
Compare their level to some of the top 2009 or 2010 clarets which have fallen in price since their release and made little progress in the decade since. The 2009 Mouton Rothschild, for instance, is currently available for £5,760 per dozen, 26% down on its initial release.
Stock available
The 2005 vintage was also a decent sized crop, slightly larger than 2016, the biggest vintage of recent times. Furthermore, it was released in an age when the châteaux were not withholding as much wine as they do now, so what is in the market is the bulk of available stock.
There are currently 125 LIVE offers for 2005 Bordeaux on the exchange, including for nine of Galloni’s current top picks (excluding Troplong Mondot), and in multiple pack sizes and formats.
