Beschreibung:

Château Margaux--Vintage 2005
6 magnums per lot
PRIMARY SOURCE WINES The following wines are come from the personal collection of a prominent New York trade professional. They were sourced directly from the respective Château and transported at great effort and expense via dedicated temperature control to the Christie's warehouse for this sale. The collection is absolutely pristine, and not a single case had been opened prior to our inspection. Please note these bottles are "international" and ready for worldwide shipment. The wines speak for themselves: 2005 Haut Brion, Margaux, Léoville Las Cases, Montrose and dueling Pichons in a variety of formats. 2005 BORDEAUX The year began well, with sunny and mild temperatures for budbreak and flowering. The year was also very dry, with only 48 of the precipitation of the average. Fortunately for the growers, this rain fell at exactly the right time: a bit before budbreak, a bit before flowering, and a bit after veraison to help the final ripening. This lack of rain helped build up thick skins, which contribute to the tannic weight of these wines. The fact that the weather was sunny, but never excessively hot, however, helped ensure that the tannins would be very ripe and supple, and that the fruit would lack the jammy character of some years. The harvest began on September 7th with the Merlot, and continued steadily throughout the month. The Cabernet Franc was brought in during the last two weeks of September, and the Cabernet Sauvignon harvest began in early October after a brief cold snap brought up the acid levels, and continued through the end of the month. Unusually, the weather held throughout the harvest, with rain coming only for the last several days. These exceptional conditions produced truly extraordinary wine: ripe, lush, and velvety, yet packed with the tannin and enough acidity to allow the best of them to age gracefully for half a century. CC The consignor remarks: "In retrospect of the past 65 years of vintages since WWII, the 2005 vintage may be the single greatest overall vintage produced in the second half of twentieth century in France. It will be discussed and argued over and over during the next 65 years but as of today, with the 2009 vintage ageing in barrel, the 2005's style and broad balance of finesse, intensity, structure and fruit shows greater promise towards a great future over the 2009 at this time, and surpasses and/or equals the greatest vintages historically, among many experienced wine professionals. In addition, take into consideration that 2005 was not only the super vintage of Bordeaux it is also one of the greatest vintages overall in French history. 2005 produced one of the most balanced, complex, intense, beautifully flavored and deep vintages in all the major appellations of France such as Burgundy, Rhône, Champagne, Alsace and the Loire Valley." Château Margaux--Vintage 2005 Margaux, 1er cru classé Lot 493 each in original wooden case Lots 494 and 495 in original wooden case "The Margaux 2005 is marked by dark, plummy fruit character on the nose and masses of it. Not lacking subtlety or finesse, the wine has a classical purity and style that is compelling. Because of the power and structure on the palate, one might be tempted to call the wine imposing if it were not so very lovely. Great length and a marvelous potential for development. Beautiful wine." Tasted at the IMW Annual Claret Tasting in London, CC, November 2009 6 magnums per lot