The much-hyped and heralded 2005 Bordeaux vintage was launched this month, and, for once, the wine matched up to the hyperbole, reports Jan MacQuitty of The Times , UK. . Better than the much-fancied 2000 millennium vintage, and in the same league as the other great vintages of 1961 and 1982, the 2005s have been compared with legendary years such as 1928 and 1947.

What the best 2005s have is sumptuous, red and black summer pudding fruit, underpinned by high alcohol, succulent tannins and wonderfully long, complex finishes. Despite the highest alcohol levels recorded - 13.75 per cent at Cos d'Estournel, 14 per cent for Haut Brion and 15.5 per cent on a parcel of merlot at Château Margaux - the overall impression is of polished, powerful and not at all spirity wines, with the merlot contributing fleshy, velvety fruit and the cabernet strength and complexity.

(For the complete story, go to: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,1145-1760217,00.html