2005 d'Arche (red)

[William P]

I tend to buy this bordeaux during warm vintages. It is usually a very satisfying wine for a under $15.00.

I purchased this from Trader Joe's for fun quaff on the fourth. Popped and poured. Ohhhh the smell told me there a problem, just the faintest smell of mold or wet newpaper, it's gotta be corked. Tasted looking for the usual body behind bars, that lack of fulfillment that comes with a corked bottle. This was odd. The wine did not exhibit the usual traits that I associate with corked bottles. It was medium full on the palate nice concentration, and a little tannic bite. I tasted the fruit and a little earthiness.

The funk blew off to the point where the smell was not as apparent. The wine did not improve nor tighten as I would have expected. I do believe that was marginally impaired. My best explanation for the experience this day was the wine as a little out of focus, just out of step.

[Chasse-Spleen]

Is this wine bottled by the Sauternes estate?
-Chris

[JimHow]

I had one bottle of this when it first hit the shelves, was very impressed with it. I have one bottle left.

[William P]

Chris they do make a sauternes.

Jim, it's usually a very satisfying little wine. Not this time! The last bottle was much better.

[JimHow]

He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named rates it 90 points.

[William P]

Voldemort? Wow, everybody is a wine critic today.

[AlexR]

Ch. d'Arche in Sauternes is an altogether different estate.

Ch. d'Arche in Ludon-Médoc (the same town where La Lagune is located) is owned by the négociants Mähler-Besse.

Best regards,
Alex R.

[William P]

Thanks Alex. I just naturally assume they were the same.

Bill

[Michael-P]

Alex: Yes, I was with Bill on this too. Thanks for clarifying!