I am drinking the 2005 Bourgneuf and can confirm it is decent stuff and that did not cost the earth. I’ve had 4 of 12, and took notes on 2 of them.
Jan 21
Dependable right bank Bordeaux from a great vintage that is now mature and drinking well. Decanted for 1 hour. Deep garnet red, fruit and leather on the nose. A touch of rusticity perhaps, and some chewiness still, suggests can go on for a bit - good news as I have 8 left and don’t drink enough claret to keep up. Balanced, reasonably rich, fine length. Slightly surprisingly better on day two, with no special care taken.
Nov 20
A solid right bank bordeaux from a great year which in my opinion is now at peak. Decanted three hours before dinner, intense cassis aromas first up, really marked. Firm tannins still, it held its own all evening. Quite a long aftertaste. Good stuff, it really seems you cannot go to far wrong with well made claret these days if you store it properly. Went well with slow-cooked beef stew. I would say that this will drink quite nicely for a number of years beyond the stated 2021 end date.
Similar on the second evening. It had not gained anything much but neither had it lost its impact. A decent drop, paid £16 in bond back in 2006, a good investment.