2005 Girolate
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Tasting notes
The 2005 Girolate is oxidized and past peak. That's a shame, as there is still quite a bit of depth.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
100% Merlot. Plush, ripe, modern – every bit the right bank style in its ambition and concentration. Slightly tannic finish, with plenty of oak overlay. I smell the hand of Michel Rolland! (RH)
The fifth vintage of this luxury cuvée from the Despagne family, this wine is treated like a spoiled child, afforded the best barrels, and the best viticulture and winemaking. The 2005 is opaque ruby/purple, with chocolate and black cherry liqueur notes, rich, broad, medium to full-bodied flavors, and terrific purity and texture. This is an absolutely amazing over-achiever and a great effort in the vintage. Drink it over the next decade.
Good medium ruby. Flamboyant, modern-style aromas of blackcurrant, coffee, bitter chocolate and licorice. Sweet, creamy and rather powerful, conveying a chewy impression of extract. Stuffed with material but perhaps a bit youthfully aggressive today. A bit unrefined but impressively dense. The big finish features chewy, toothcoating tannins.