The weather during the 2005 growing season was exceptionally dry, leading
almost to drought conditions in certain areas. Temperatures were also
frequently above average but not to the heatwave extremes of 2003.
The key outcome is grapes of exceptional maturity but of smaller size than
usual. The ratio of solids to juice is higher than usual, yielding wines of
exceptional concentration. However, this is entirely natural concentration, not
created by undue manipulation of the fruit in the vats.
Moreover, the wines possess exceptional balance; warm days during August and
September imbued the grapes with marvellous ripeness but cool nights ensured
that the acidities did not drop. As a result the wines combine natural
richness with a cool, refreshing acidity.
Mention must also be made of the tannins; an effect of the small size of the
berries, particularly of the Cabernet Sauvignon, is a very high tannin
count in the wine, one of the highest ever recorded in many cases.
These tannins are, however, fully ripe so possess a silky texture on the
palate with no hint of aggression or austerity. The combination of
excellent maturity, correct acidity and ripe tannins has produced wines of
quite exceptional quality.
How does the vintage compare with the great years of recent memory? Well,
outstanding vintages always seem to have a layer of `puppy fat' which gives
them a delightful fleshy texture, even at the outset.
1982
springs to mind as a valid comparison in every sense, but it's worth noting
that yields in 1982 were considerably higher than in 2005, resulting in
slightly lower concentration. There are some similarities with 1990, but the
2005 wines have greater freshness for the most part as a result of their higher
acidities.
To receive advice about the wines, please contact our Fine
Wine Department.
Tel: 44 (0) 1256 340123
Fax: 44 (0) 1256 340149
E-mail: Fine
Wine Department
