Duke of Bourbon: E-mail Specials

Before we tell you about the wine we are featuring today, let us present some quotes from Robert Parker regarding the 2005 vintage from Bordeaux. The first: "It is an extraordinary vintage and one that is different from anything I have tasted in the last twenty-eight years. As a general rule, the wines are very concentrated, extremely high in tannin, and backward, but the fresh acids combined with the massive concentration and higher than normal alcohols make for a distinctive vintage that will probably be one of the longest-lived I have ever tasted." Parker also notes: "However, there is so much good wine in 2005, even from less than prestigious chateaux that are not exactly the darlings of speculators, that there will be an ocean of very high quality wine available at reasonable prices" and " . . . it is the best of times to be purchasing Bordeaux and to be a wine lover." Now, read on to hear about a wine that he put on his list of Sleepers of the Vintage.

Have you heard of Chateau Croix-Mouton? Probably not. So let us introduce you to this not-so-well-known property. Chateau Croix-Mouton is a small estate situated in Lugon, a little village to the northwest of Saint-Emilion. It belongs to Jean-Philippe Janoueix, who bought it in 1997 and brought it back to life. Designated "Bordeaux Winemaker of the Year 2003," this talented winemaker is also the proud owner of Chateau de Chambrun (Lalande de Pomerol), Chateau La Confession (Saint-Emilion Grand Crus) and Chateau le Conseiller (Bordeaux Superieur).

With the history lesson behind us, let's talk wine! The 2005 Chateau Croix-Mouton, Bordeaux Superieur has exactly what one would expect a 2005 Bordeaux to have: mouth-filling fruit, bright, crisp acidity and tannins that are firm but not harsh. Parker rates it 90 points and describes it as, ". . . Revealing loads of extraction along with a dense purple color, a big, tannic structure, and a muscular full-bodied style, it should age for at least a decade."

In short, this is a Bordeaux that can be enjoyed now and for the next decade! And at a terrific price, too. As prices in Bordeaux have sky-rocketed, Croix-Mouton is roughly the same price it was three years ago. The Duke has this Bordeaux Bargain available for $18.99 each." Buy 6 or more and save - just $16.99 per bottle." Hint: Stock up on this one! Buy a case!

Follow this link to read about another properly aged Bordeaux Bargain that we featured recently - 1996 Chateau Lanessan. The per-bottle price is $23.99 - purchase 6 or more for $21.99 each.

Note: Prices are good while our supplies last and we reserve the right to change them at any time without notice.