Domaine Bois de Boursan - Rhône 2005 En Primeur

The Drink Tank has been recovering from an indulgent festive season, when many of its own recommendations were loyally demolished (all in the line of duty of course!). With such a taste for the best, making a New Year’s Resolution of “Life is too short to drink bad wine” was not necessary here but in order to spread the word, we kick off 2008 with a nod to 2005 in the Rhône, another cracker of a year and one that was easily overlooked whilst Bordeaux and Burgundy made all of the headlines. One domaine that always impresses us is Bois du Boursan and both the team and major critics have been impressed by the two terrific cuvées of Châteauneuf du Pape. Now shipped and in stock, these are good to go and the prices are extraordinarily low for wines of this quality.

Domaine Bois de Boursan - Young, energetic and passionate beyond belief. Meet Jean-Paul Versino. When you visit this Domaine, also known as Bois du Boursan, you cannot help but be enchanted by the incredible enthusiasm of Jean-Paul and his parents. Not to mind the extraordinary wines that can be tasted. Yields are low (approx 28hl/ha) and intervention is kept to a minimum to preserve the natural character of the old vines.

All prices are quoted inc. VAT

Explosive notes of rich, ripe black cherries, followed by hints of leather, spice and black pepper. Firm tannins, bright acidity, excellent length. Drink from 2009. - armit

Well-built, with solid tarry grip running through the grilled beef, dark licorice, espresso, loam and mineral notes. The long, chewy finish has a slightly roasted edge, but this stays driven enough. Drink now through 2022. 91 points - Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar

Bright red. Earthy red berry and cherry aromas are complicated by garrigue, smoked meat and dried flowers. This really smells like Chateauneuf! Musky red and dark fruit flavors offer compelling depth and precision, with slow-mounting spiciness adding verve. Clings impressively on the finish, with the spice and herbal qualities repeating. There's nothing modern about this one. 91 points – Wine Spectator

Punchy, fresh and tight. Fruits of the forest, spice, leather and undertones of kirsch liqueur. With tiny yields of 20hl/ha is it any wonder the wine is so wonderfully concentrated. Drink from 2012. - armit

Dense and chewy, but with ripe, well-rounded tannins carry the black currant, fig paste, coffee and black licorice notes. The finish shows nicely buried acidity and a long mineral streak. Always one of the appellation’s most cellar-worthy wines. Best from 2009 through 2025. 94 points – Wine Spectator

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