WTN: 2005 Cotes de Castillon

So I got back home from city, fed the hound, and decided to feed myself. A ribeye, some grilled potatoes (I parbaked in microwave, then tossed with oil and parsley), salad. Wines was the 2005 Ste. Colombe (Cotes de Castillon). I had really thought this a value at $9 for the '99 and $10 for the '00, but hadn't seen in more recent vintages. So when I saw the '05 for $11, a few bottles were added to a Tondonia order to get me to free delivery level. With the steak, a very pleasing wine for the level. Red berry and plum fruit, a hint of fresh herbs and tobacco, just a hint of vanillin oak on finish. Lighter Bordeaux but quite decent concentration for the level. Tannins are lighter and easier than most '05s I've had. A very pleasant claret for the money. B+/B

Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine, B a good wine, C mediocre. Anything below C means I wouldn't drink at a party where it was only choice. Furthermore, I offer no promises of objectivity, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency.
 

So...when do we get a report on the Tondonia? I gotta get back to JV Wines in Napa to snatch more bottles of the 1998!

This was the '73 GR. I probably won't open for a while, I was thinking next time I host my SOBER group I might do this as a flight with the '81 Bosconia GR (and maybe the '81 Tondonia Reserva).
A glass of the Ste Colombe last night had held up pretty well.

Just had the '81 Bosconia a few weeks ago. Beautiful wine.

I sadly missed an opportunity to pick up a bottle of said Bosconia. You snooze, you lose.