This obscure Cotes De Castillon is a good value. Merlot with some Cabernet Franc. Smaller Chateaus like this in lesser years tend to be a bit green, but the fruit here has good ripeness (which one would expect for an '05). 14% alcohol is a bit high for my liking but that's the price one must often pay for well ripened grapes. Purple-red with aromas of blackberry, plums, oak and herbs. Medium-full body. Dry & savory with good fruit and acidity to balance the alcohol and rustic tannin. Decant or give it a few more years in the cellar.