Château Martinat 2005 Côtes de Bourg

I’ve said in the past that if a rising tide floats all boats, then in good years like 2005, it must be worth rowing across to Analogy Island in one of the lesser bateaux of the Bordelais flotilla.

So I popped a few quid in the post to the Wine Society for a case of Côtes de Bordeaux 2005 and they sent me, amongst other bottles, some Château Martinat Côtes de Bourg.

Martin at the Chat owwww

It justified my argument.  There is some real shite sent down La Gironde in the name of fine claret but I think the enormous majority of wines are born of genuine fathers (and mothers….) who really care.

This is certainly the case with Martinat.  Whilst I do not know the winemaker (Stéphane Donze, since you ask), you only have to sip the wine to taste the parental devotion.

This kid is spicy, fruity, intelligent and rich – almost destined to grow up to be Stephen Fry’s replacement on QI.  The taste is peppery, plummy and with firmish tannins I found it a nice match for spicy pizza.

Mine was £9.95 from the Wine Society but unsurprisingly now sold out.  Shame because it is one of the best ten quid bottles I’ve tasted in a long while.

2 Responses to “Château Martinat 2005 Côtes de Bourg”

  1. donze stephane Says:

    Hello
    Your comments had honored us, first for this incredible humoristic writer prose and for yr comments on our wines.
    It is always a pleasure to see that wine can be describe otherwise than by boring or technical comments….
    It will be a pleasure to see you in Bordeaux
    Very best regards
    Stephane Donze Chateau Martinat

  2. John Tidball Says:

    I bought 12 bottles of Martinat last year from Johnny at Wine Discoveries. Great wine, excellent with steak and chips. I’m a great fan of Cotes de Bourg wines. If in Bordeaux, I recommend a visit to the Boutique de la Maison du Vin in Bourg: 150 wines to choose from, all excellent value, between 4 and 18 euros, except for Roc de Cambes at 72 euros! My favourites so far are Martinat, Fougas Maldoror, Tour de Guiet, Brulesecaille and Relais de la Poste cuvee prestige. Best values in Bordeaux and getting better all the time. Aucune hesitation!

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