Saint-Émilion Grand Cru (Premier Grand Cru Classé)2005

Made predominantly from Merlot and Cabernet Franc, Saint-Émilion wines tend to have a rich, mouth-drying tannic structure, which is balanced by the more juicy characteristics of plum and black cherry fruit, along with chocolate and sweet spice, developing savory tobacco and cedar characteristics with age. The best Saint-Émilion wines will exhibit a terrific mineral vein, the result of vines being planted on the region's limestone escarpment. Vines planted on sandy soils tend to produce grapes that make lighter styled wines. Situated on the right bank of Bordeaux, the region of Saint-Émilion can boast of producing the most diverse range of styles, partly due to differences in soil types, from gravel to limestone to sand, but also thanks to production variations and winemakers looking to make their mark.