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First 2005 Bordeaux: Presidial
By perryd | January 3, 2008
I’ve enjoyed several vintages of Jean-Luc Thunevin’s Presidial over the years. If you don’t know Thunevin’s wines, you should. His Valendraud started the ‘garagiste’ movement back in 1989…for good or for not, depending on whether you prefer Bordeaux with lots of extraction and a full, jammy flavor. Some say that this is an American influence, that we here in the states don’t like the more complex wines of the left bank and instead look for wine that is much more approachable and can be drunk without waiting for ten years for the tannins to mellow out.
Whether or not that is true, I like wine that is smooth, defined, and full of flavor, which is why I like Jean-Luc’s wines. He uses every trick in the bag to coax flavor out of the Merlot of Presidial, and the result is a wine that combines outstanding fruit flavor and freshness with the body of an older wine. The taste is of black cherry and plum, and a grapiness that reminds you that you are drinking wine. Underneath is that hint of apricot and butterscotch that balances out the fruitiness, and well-balanced acidity.
Presidial is meant to be drunk young, and I find it’s a wonderful every day wine for the table. You’ll find the 2005 in stores now for between $12 and $16 per bottle, and at that price it pays to grab the case.
Any wine that Thunevin has a hand in is going to be outstanding, and 2005 was an exceptional vintage. If you aren’t keen to drop $300 a bottle on his Valendraud, rest assured that Presidial will quench your thirst for Bordeaux.
Topics: Wine |