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Gordon Brothers 2005 Tradition

Oops, I did it again.

As lovely as the 2005 Tradition was upon opening, it was even better on day two. Tonight, as the last bit of this delectable wine left my glass, just as it was going past my lips, I found myself thinking, "Oh...this is good, it's just now, so very good and it's now gone".

I certainly enjoyed this wine, it was immediately approachable at opening. But the true merits of this wine did not manifest, for me, until the second day. Soft, silky, earthy/leather, touch of graphite, floral elements, good mouth feel (chocolate covered cherries on the sides of my tongue), balanced (by day two) and only 13.5% alcohol - if you have some, stash it away for a few more years. If you can't help yourself, open, taste and save most of it for day two. I purchased this bottle at the Gordon Brothers winery during Crush weekend this September.

Winery notes: Estate Grown, Columbia Valley, 65% Sauvignon, 27% Merlot and 8% Syrah.
Production: 1,201 six packs (600 cases).
Winemaking: The 2005 vintage was aged in small, mostly French oak barrels for 20 months, after blending the wine was returned to once used barrels for an additional 2 years of aging. Finally, after bottling, the wine was held for over a year in bottle before being released in September 2010.

I could not help myself, I had to open this bottle yesterday; and I sure as heck did not feel like waiting another 5 years to enjoy this vintage. You just never know what's around the corner. Lovely wine, but so much, much better on the second day.

Web: www.gordonwines.com 

Cheers!

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