Clos Puy Arnaud 2005

Cotes de Castillon

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Tasting Notes

From his 30-acre estate on the high limestone plateau of the Côtes de Castillon, conscientious and meticulous proprietor Thierry Valette has produced a blend of 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Dense ruby/purple, with a slightly evolved nose of cedar wood, forest floor and herbs as well as loads of blackberry and licorice-infused fruit, this 2005 is medium to full-bodied, powerful, and rich, but the nose showed just a tiny trace of oxidation. Drink this big wine over the next 5-6 years.

Score: 88

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2015-2021 30 June 2015

Although the 2005 Clos Puy Arnaud may not be as brilliant as the 2001, it is still a terrific wine. Revealing plenty of crushed rock/mineral characteristics along with hints of black cherries, intense fruit, and a beautiful mouthfeel, this dense ruby/purple-tinged effort should drink well for 7-8 years.

Score: 88

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2008-2016 30 April 2008

Clos Puy Arnaud is nearly always a seriously made as well as potentially long-lived offering, as evidenced by the 2005. This blend of 60% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Carmenere boasts a saturated blue/purple color in addition to a sweet nose of black raspberries, cranberries, crushed rocks, and background wood. Displaying terrific old vine intensity, it hits the palate with a rush of fruit, glycerin, and tannin. With good structure, purity, and potential, it will require 2-3 years to settle down, and should last for 15 or more years.

Score: 90 - 92

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: Drink 2008-2021 30 April 2006

Delivers lots of sharp-cut wood character, with a hint of fresh blackberry. Medium-bodied, with lots of fruit and vanilla. A bit simple, but very good. Best after 2009. 2,500 cases made.

Score: 85

James Suckling, Wine Spectator Maturity: 2009+ 01 January 2008

Good ruby-red. Ripe aromas of black cherry, raspberry and licorice, lifted by a note of violet. Juicy and bright, with lovely cut to the black fruit and violet flavors. Finishes with firm but fine tannins. Offers unusual purity and finesse for a Cotes de Castillon wine.

Score: 87 - 90

Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar 01 May 2006