Any freshness seems to have gone leaving overly baked fruit, predominantly raisin in flavour, and too much heat from the alcohol. Disappointing.

Where is that Region Mr Wizz - '05 Normally keeps if a big brute

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Duncan

Majestic say it's a Syrah , Grenache, Carignan, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot blend from the Languedoc.

Apparently "you can taste the sunshine in every drop" only my bottle seemed to be in need of some aftersun cream.

Looked it up, because Bernard Magrez is a very notary producer of high quality Claret, 3 of them cru classe.

This Languedoc wine is made from 3 different appelations. Vine age is only an average of 15 years The cuvee spends 6 months in french oak.
These are young vineyards - so yes, there will be less structure, which means 4 -5 years is probably maximum age for this wine.

How long had the wine been open ? Before it collapsed, or was it expiring before you drew the cork ?

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Duncan

The structure was fine, it's simply that the flavours seem overbaked which is then made worse by too much heat from the alcohol at 14.5%.

Sorry Wizz - I've got the point now (at last )

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Duncan

Actually your guess was correct Duncan, the first bottle I tried was a little oxidised, second much better. Syrah to the fore, big hearty flavours that would go well with a barbeque.

Monsieur Magrez's reputation remains intact.