2005 was one of the greatest ever vintages on record with winemakers cashing in on near perfect conditions across all Bordeaux appellations. First growth châteaux and other top labels’ prices reached new stratospheric levels, yet because it was a great year across the board, there are also many great value Bordeaux to be found from less well-known châteaux in the satellite districts, like Bel-Air la Royère from Blaye, whose prices are unaffected by the en primeur market

The vintage is characterised by very rich wines, with great structure, huge concentration and lively acidity; and you won’t find many wines of this quality under the magic £20 price tag...

"Dark in color, with lots of berry, smoky fruit and mineral. Full-bodied, with rich fruit, ripe tannins and plenty of new oak. Impressive." Wine Spectator

“Attractive notes of sweet currant and strawberry fruit emerge from this deep ruby/purple-tinged, lush, silky-textured, fruity wine. Immediate accessibility suggests it will offer delicious drinking over the next 3-4 years.“ eRobertParker.com (Aug 2008)