Magdelaine 2005

[Musigny 151]

Last time I had this was at a Magdelaine vertical a year and a half ago. It was incredibly promising, but also extremely tight, and I scored it 96+.

I was meeting a couple of friends, but the box of Jouan went missing (later found) so I pivoted and brought the Magdelaine.

The year and a half brought some profound change to the wine but it totally justified the earlier score. Probably could do with a couple of years as the wine did smooth out in the glass over a couple of hours.

The nose was red black fruit, smoke leather, licorice and a slight note of leafmeal. Complex as hell, I was dipping my nose into the glass constantly to take in its perfume. The complexity followed through onto the palate with a little added mint. The finish was long and layered. Balance overall was close to perfect. Now 97+

[Comte Flaneur]

Stop it Mark, a case of this is nearly £2k all in here in Blighty

[Blanquito]

Great to hear, as I’m sitting on 14 of these. But I consider you (and Dale) the Magdelaine Muse, so your cues are well noted. That said, I plan to wait until these are at least 20 years old before dipping in a toe, as I seem to most prefer Magdelaine with 25 or 30 years on it.

[JimHow]

One of these days I need to sit down with a bottle of Magdelaine and a nice strip sirloin and analyze what all the fuss is about. What is that, a St. Emilion?

[Musigny 151]

I like traditional beautifully made, balanced, low alcohol wines that shows both complex flavors and a lightness of touch, Magdelaine was a standout. It became even more important as Parker et al went for ever larger, more brutish wines, and Saint Emilion was a particularly susceptible, as Merlot is so easily manipulated.

Magdelaine is not a noisy wine, it is easily overlooked in a large tasting and often was. But for those who do, as you just suggested, drink it with food, and spend the time getting to know it, will be amply rewarded.

[Musigny 151]

Stop it Mark, a case of this is nearly £2k all in here in Blighty

Ian,
I just bought a six pack from Hatton and Edwards for around £500. The deals are definitely out there, and the good news is I have enough, and have stopped looking.

[DavidG]

Sounds wonderful Mark!

[Nicklasss]

Very nice notes Mark. I would surely love the 2005. Did not had Magdelaine often, but the 1995, 1998 and 2001 all left me great impressions.

I don't know what would be a good comparison, but i would try to say that Magdelaine is the Lafite/Léoville Barton of Saint Émilion?

[Musigny 151]

Hard to compare with Medoc, but Ducru Beaucaillou and pre 2005 Beychevelle come to mind.

[Nicklasss]

Hard to compare with Medoc, but Ducru Beaucaillou and pre 2005 Beychevelle come to mind.

Or mix of the best qualities of the old Château Figeac + the old Château Canon?

Jim, taste it and tell us what you think. I can't believe you never had a Château Magdelaine...

[JimHow]

I have indeed consumed Magdelaine before, Nicola, from several vintages, including a 1982 that Stuart pulled out last February.

[Nicklasss]

I have indeed consumed Magdelaine before, Nicola, from several vintages, including a 1982 that Stuart pulled out last February.

Ok, i was not convinced you never had it, as i guess you were there when we also had the 1998.

But i now understand that you mean having a meditation time, with a sirloin and a Magdelaine, to get all the attention on what both have to offer, while posting about your favorite US politicians and blasting Trump on BWE.