Rothschild (Lafite) in Corbieres: Blason d’Aussieres

Curious about what’s going on the Languedoc, I had a chance to try both the 2006 and 2005 Blason d’Aussieres this week.  I almost wish I hadn’t had the two togeher, because they are both very good wines but one always has to suffer by comparison – and it shouldn’t.

The 2006 entranced us with its moderate power, and lovely fine fruit and structure.  Yet compared to the 2005 it felt almost restrained.  The 2005 – a great year just about everywhere — was huge, nicely structured and disappeared much faster with dinner. Both have cedar, spice, dark red fruit.

Very well-made wines – and especially for these prices: the 2006 is under $15 and the 2005 under $20.