I bought this '05 Puisseguin Saint Emilion some time ago from Tony Laithwaite (mid 2008 I think), about £10 or so per bottle, I took six.

The chateau is run by Henri Bourlon and his family. When I tried the first bottle, the wine was as hard as nails. Merlot rich right bank, but the tannins and the oak were very solid, and very savoury. I was concerned, but kept the faith.

I then opened another bottle on Halloween 2011. An unknown quantity, very dark and deep, very opaque, unchanged over the last 3 years

Hmmnn - this wine is not ready yet, the 2005 vintage is pretty firm, but next day, Oh yes, the wine performs well above its station. Good acidity, good depth, lovely right bank claret, bright, yet mature tasting fruit, firm with good structure, and good length. This wine will continue to mature for a long time yet.

I'm glad I kept the faith. On day 2, an excellent and enjoyable wine with some breed. It is of course, properly representative of the vintage, and, from a traditional family concern, who are doing a good job.

31/10/2011

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Duncan