La Cave Warehouse, Wine Shop, Wine Futures

2005 Bordeaux Futures

The facts

Bordeaux, the unquestioned pillar of the international wine community, is turning in one of its greatest vintages, ever. Could this be another (I hate to say this) “The vintage of the century?” How many can there be? Rated Grade A+ by the Wine Spectator, James Suckling reports “The superlatives coming out of Bordeaux are like a growing tidal wave. It's hard to remember when a new vintage has been more widely praised.

Even modern classics such as 1989, 1990 and 2000 did not receive as much early acclaim as 2005.” A remarkable vintage that has been heralded by Decanter Magazine, by the Wine Spectator and all of the critics across the board! Robert Parker himself has tagged 2005 as truly extraordinary Bordeaux vintage with the scores to prove it.

It is a vintage that is regarded in Bordeaux as a “classic” and it has produced phenomenal wines throughout all Bordeaux appellations, from the left bank to the right bank, from the dry whites – gorgeous Pessac Léognan especially – to luscious Sauternes.

The combination of a very special vintage, wines of top quality and a weaker U.S.$ have combined to make this the most expensive Bordeaux vintage to date. Yes, prices are high!

My recommendations

Do not blink an eye! You should take position and acquire at least some 2005 Bordeaux. And you should acquire them now as Futures, no matter what your budget is.

	Even when the wines appear soooo expensive, experience has proved time and again that the best of the best can only go one way: that is up!
	Bordeaux is our strong suit. I have been buying Futures for near 30 years. These wines will get more and more expensive and you will be left with only regrets that you did not buy more 2005 when they first came out. Buying Futures is the smart way to secure what you want, at the lowest price.

If your budget allows, do indulge in the top Growths. It makes a lot of sense if you are an investor, or if you already have a string of these wines in prior vintages.

For those of you with a more limited budget, a balance portfolio is the key: a few bottles of the best châteaux alongside a core of solid quality wines at prices that don’t break the bank!

And please, take my word for it: do not overlook the reasonable bargains of the vintage. The châteaux La Tour de By, Fonbel (Ch. Ausone) and La Bridane top the list. Give serious consideration as well to Château Malmaison (Rothschild), Sarget de Gruaud Larose (second label of Ch. Gruaud Larose), Clarke (Rothschild), Cantemerle and La Gurgue.

If you are score sensitive, yet value conscious, some of the obvious choices are Haut-Bages Libéral, Lagrange, Haut-Marbuzet, Calon Ségur, Canon la Gaffelière.

Another bit of advice: if the top growths are too pricy for you, do consider their second labels which can be stunningly good as in Alter Ego, Bahans Haut Brion, Pavillon de Margaux (red and white) and Carruades de Lafite.
Outside of the First Growths, the shining stars of the vintage are in my opinion: châteaux Angelus, Cos d’Estournel, Ducru Beaucaillou, L’Evangile, Montrose, Palmer, Pavie, and Troplong Mondot.

But then again, if these are too rich for your blood, I was most impressed with Pavie Macquin, Lynch Bages, both Pichon, Smith Haut Lafitte (red and white), Pontet Canet and Léoville Barton.

“Good wine is a necessity of life for me.” Thomas Jefferson: Letter to John Adlum

François L. Chandou

Terms of purchase:

Orders need to be emailed to francois@lacavewarehouse.com or written up in person by François or Anne.

We will need all your contact information with the first order. Full Name, Billing Address, Phone #’s, Credit Card info including expiration date, security code and address anchored to that card. Orders will be billed out as they are confirmed to us. Unfortunately, not all wines will be confirmed.

When ordering, please be aware that Futures prices are sold on a cash/check pricing basis. Credit cards are accepted on a small surcharge basis; please inquire.

Wines to be physically available for pick up, or shipping, Spring/Fall 2008 as we receive them. Sales Tax will be due at that time.

We reserve the right to limit quantities.

La Cave Warehouse | 1931 Market Ctr. Blvd. #129 | Dallas, Texas 75207 | 214 747-9463
Store Hours: Tue - Fri 9am-5pm | Sat 10am-2pm