2005 Château Dauzac

Tasted at the vertical retrospective at the property. The 2005 Château Dauzac, a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, appears to have reached full maturity on the nose, although there is abundant blackberry and mulberry fruit to suggest that it will keep for many years. The palate is medium-bodied, a little rustic on the entry with touches of bay leaf and tea leaf, though there I perceived some dryness creeping in towards the finish. Drink this now and over the next 5-8 years, because though it constitutes a commendable 2005, it is not quite living up to the promise it showed in its youth and in my opinion, is surpassed by subsequent vintages. Tasted June 2015.

Tar and liquorice on the nose. Sweet and rich with severe dryness on the finish. Painful dry tannins on the finish. (JR)