The ballyhoo about the 2005 vintage continues! But, can a fifth-growth chateau produce a wine at a first-growth level? You betcha! Read on.

Decanter Magazine recently conducted a comprehensive blind tasting of the wines of all the major chateaux. The 5-member tasting panel included three certified Masters of Wine. In testimony to the quality of the vintage, a record number (25) of "Decanter Awards" were made - the previous high was 13. However, only three wines, all from Pauillac, scored 18/20 or better from each of the tasters. Two of those will come as no surprise, Mouton-Rothschild and Pichon-Baron. The third, Chateau Pedesclaux, the topic of our discussion today, outscored most of the superstars of Bordeaux!

The vineyard of Chateau Pedesclaux is located on the gravel plateau overlooking the town of Pauillac and is adjacent to Mouton-Rothschild, Lafite-Rothschild and Pontet-Canet, impressive neighbors to say the least. The wine itself is about 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and the balance Cabernet Franc. Panel tasting notes include: . . ."a deep red/black color" . . . "On the nose it is strong and serious with intense cassis and black olive aromas" . . . "Rich and sweet, so much so that the tannins are more than matched by the considerable fruit. Dense and finely balanced" . . . "Big, yet no hard edges" . . . "This can be drunk early or kept for 10 years +."

Wow!! First-growth quality at a price less than the second wines from the chateaux outscored by Pedesclaux! The Duke is able to bring this over-achiever to you at an amazing $49.99 per bottle. Since only 59 cases were imported for the West Coast, we are limiting purchases to a maximum of 12 bottles. Sorry!

This is a wine that you should not miss!
Call the Duke today!!

Note: Prices are good while our supplies last and we reserve the right to change them at any time without notice.

Summer heat can damage your wine! The Duke does not recommend out-of-state ground shipments during the summer months. If you're unable to pick up your order, we will gladly hold it here until cooler weather. If you would like your wine right away, we will be happy to ship by air - overnight or 2 - or 3 - day service.