2005 Chateau Durfort-Vivens Le Relais du Durfort-Vivens

4g

We disembarked from the cruise ship the day after we arrived in Bordeaux on our recent trip to Europe.  We arrived at our hotel around 4 pm feeling exited for the second part of our two-week trip in Europe.  We planned on staying in the Bordeaux area for five days then spending a couple of nights in Paris before heading home.

We were greeted by a very friendly young lady at the Le Maison Bordeaux hotel.  After we entered our room and unpacked, it was time to chill out and have a glass of wine.  The hotel offered many wines and spirits so I wandered down to see what we may enjoy.  Since we were in France I wanted a french wine.  After browsing a bit, I decided to pick a good vintage year from the Margaux AOC.

one

Back in the room I grabbed my cork screw that I had brought along and peeled back the foil.  I started inserting the cork screw into the cork and knew almost immediately that there was a problem with the cork.  It was very soft and crumbled and I really wished I had my Ah-So along!  Half way through I decided to go back to the receptionist desk do see if they happened to have one and when I asked the gal if she had an Ah-So, I received a strange look.  It was apparent she had no clue what I was asking her but we agreed the cork would crumble and with no filter we decided to try another bottle.  Unfortunately, we had the same issue but luck was on my side and I was able to remove the cork without leaving any broken pieces in the bottle.

two

Sight 
Medium color depth with a garnet hue.

Smell
The red wine was very aromatic with middle age development.  I smelled dark fruit and earthy notes.

Taste
This wine was dry, full-bodied with lively acidity.  The tannins were medium and soft and the Le Relais du Durfort-Vivens was very flavorful.  Tasting, I noted deep dry mid-palate flavors with a medium in length finish.

abv: 12.5%

How much: $26 EU ($39 US).

Region/Appellation:  Bordeaux Margaux (northern part of Bordeaux).

I rated the  2005 Chateau Durfort-Vivens Le Relais du Durfort-Vivens four glasses.  The 2005 vintage in Bordeuax was considered an excellent year.  If you find Bordeaux wines around $30 or more from 2005 if should be pretty good.  I wish I could find more!

Life is too short to drink crappy wine!

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