‍ “Textbook perfection” – Jancis Robinson MW

‍2005 delivered one of the most perfect growing seasons Bordeaux has seen – hot and exceptionally dry (the driest since 1949 from budburst to harvest), with ideal ripening conditions that produced small, thick-skinned grapes bursting with concentration, ripe tannins, and vibrant freshness. Nature put not a foot wrong, resulting in balanced, powerful wines with impeccable harmony of fruit, structure, and acidity. The vintage’s depth, elegance, and ageing potential sparked huge interest upon release, with correspondingly high prices and fervent demand from collectors worldwide.‍

The Solicitors' Wine Society is delighted to have secured an outstanding line-up from this legendary year. Twenty-one years on, the 2005s are beginning to hit their stride – still youthful and structured, yet increasingly approachable, with the tannins softening into silky elegance and layers of complex fruit emerging. This makes now an ideal moment to explore how this much-acclaimed vintage is evolving and rewarding patience.‍ ‍

We are excited to welcome back long-time friend of the Society, Richard Bampfield MW, to guide us through what he has described as an "irresistible" selection of wines.‍ ‍

The Grand Cru wines from the 2005 vintage that we will be tasting are as follows:‍ ‍

Rol Valentin
Figeac
Brane-Cantenac
D'Issan
Branaire-Ducru
Léoville-Barton
Pichon Baron
Pontet-Canet‍ ‍

The wines for this tasting come from the Society’s stocks, providing amazing value for members with tickets priced at considerably less than an equivalent commercial tasting. Member tickets are £90 and guest tickets are £110.

‍If you are using the Society's website to purchase tickets for the first time, you are encouraged to register so as to make future ticket purchases even easier. The Society operates an open seating policy at tastings so, if you are coming as a group, please arrive early to ensure you are able to sit together.

‍If you have any questions, please contact the organiser, John Lee on john.lee@traverssmith.com or Duncan Holden on duncanandliz@btinternet.com.‍ ‍