2005 Faizeau Vieilles Vignes
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
Possibly the finest Faizeau made to date, this sleeper of the vintage reveals a deep ruby/purple color along with a lovely nose of kirsch, licorice, and pain grille. Full-bodied, ripe, and seamless with excellent harmony among its component parts, it hit 14.5% natural alcohol and is made from 100% Merlot. This extravagant, flamboyant effort should drink well for a decade.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Good bright ruby. Vibrant, pure aromas of black cherry, black raspberry, licorice and dark chocolate. Silky and suave in the mouth but with lovely vinosity to leaven the wine's deep sweetness. I love the sugar/acid snap here. Very fresh hints of licorice and exotic ginger. Nicely mouthcoating and lush on the back end, finishing with spreading, ripe tannins and a chocolatey flavor. An excellent performance. Half of these vines date back to 1911. This one weighs in at 14.75% alcohol and would make a perfect ringer in a tasting of California cabernets.
Deep dark black, brooding black cherry intensity on the nose, juicy black fruit, smooth ripe though chalky tannins and nicely balanced. Straightforward yet lingering. [JH]