Chateau La Commanderie, Saint Emillion 2005
*This is a pre-order product, delivery will only be available from 22nd Dec onwards
Discover the refined character of Château La Commanderie Grand Cru Classé 2005, a wine that captures the elegance of the Right Bank of Bordeaux while offering approachable charm. From a historic property with roots reaching back to the commandery of the Knights of Saint-John of Jerusalem, the estate sits on south-facing, gravelly and ferruginous sand soils that impart finesse and minerality.
Country Of Origin |
France |
|---|---|
Alcohol Percentage |
15.5% |
Volume |
750ml |
Varietal |
Blended |
Vineyard & Farming
The vineyard spans roughly 6 hectares in the heart of Saint-Émilion’s distinguished terroir, just south of Pomerol in the sector of Figeac. The soils are described as gravel and ferruginous sand over clay, providing excellent drainage and ripening conditions. In the 2005 vintage the estate employed hand-harvesting, careful sorting, concrete thermo-regulated vats, followed by ageing in French oak barrels (50 % new) for around 16 months.
Tasting Profile
Appearance: Deep, intense ruby core with youthful violet tints — youthful for 2005 but showing good maturation.
Nose: A refined bouquet of black cherries and wild berries, with secondary notes of chocolate, mint/menthol and subtle cedar-wood accents.
Palate: Medium-to-full bodied with plush Merlot fruit at the heart, balanced by Cabernet Franc structure. The tannins are smooth and harmonised, delivering a silky texture. The fruit is juicy and the oak lends spice and depth without dominating.
Finish: Clean and persistent, with savoury notes of cocoa, tobacco leaf and red/black currants lingering. A wine that is mature yet still vibrant.
Food Pairing Suggestions
The 2005 Château La Commanderie is beautifully suited to meats and rich dishes that align with its refined style. Consider:
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Go-to pairings: Roast lamb, beef tenderloin with herb crust, wild mushroom ragout.
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Elegant menus: Duck with cherry glaze, veal medallions in truffle jus.
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Cheese board: Semi-hard aged cheeses such as Comté or Galet show nicely against the creamy fruit and subtle spice.
Serving & Cellaring
Serve at about 16-18 °C (60-64 °F). Decanting for 30-45 minutes is advisable to allow the wine to open up. While this 2005 vintage is drinking well today, it also has ageing potential for a few more years, provided it has been stored properly.
Why This Wine Matters
Château La Commanderie 2005 offers an excellent expression of Saint-Émilion Grand Cru that balances elegance with appeal. It is not overly heavy or extracted, but rather refined — a wine that suits both serious collectors and those looking for a high quality, ready-to-enjoy Bordeaux with pedigree. With near-80 % Merlot and a modest blend of Cabernet Franc, the vintage delivers fruit-driven richness tempered by terroir clarity and winemaking finesse.