2005 was a great year in Bordeaux so when I see ones that are under $20 I give them a whirl. The wine is dark in color as one would expect. According to the write up this is 100% Merlot. On the nose the wine is quite mild in fruit with some black fruits coming through, and some wood. On the mid pallet there are some mild black fruits and something that does not belong. I had a hard time putting name to it. It might be the cedar, my gf got caramel, maybe some herbs. On the finish the tannins are what winecurrent.com described as Chaulky. The finish itself is medium with some dry pucker power. I would give it an 88 or so.
From the LCBO web site:
CHATEAU HAUCHAT 2005 AC Fronsac (Vignobles Jean-Bernard Saby & Fils) TASTING NOTE: What a lovely Fronsac for drinking now or for mid-term cellaring and what a great price. It’s rare to find a Bordeaux that’s not a blend but this 100% merlot hits all the points through the palate very effectively. The well-defined flavours are concentrated and restrained and they’re well balanced by a seam of acidity that adds a refreshing dimension to the texture. The tannins are supple and manageable. It’s drinking now (try it with roast beef) and it will easily hold another seven or eight years. Cheers! Score – 4 1/2 Stars (out of 5). (Rod Phillips Winepointer Newsletter Feb. 11 2009) 123489 $15
Winecurrent.com’s thoughts:
Chateau Hauchat 2006 AOC Fronsac
13.0% alcohol Theres a compelling argument for this wine and it starts with the dense deep color. Layers of aromas sweet berries, cassis, cedar, and caramel lead you to a well-structured wine with ripe fruit hints of vanilla and spice and slightly chalky tannins. The finish is lingering and offers wonderful notes of dark chocolate and char. Certainly a good match for prime rib now but the wine will cellar for a few more years. An extra ½ star for the price/value equation. (Susan Desjardins) (123489) $15.00 Rating 4.5/5
