Georges Duboeuf Pinot Noir 2005
Price: $7
Maker: George Duboeuf
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Packaging: 750 ml bottle, artificial cork
Alcohol: 12.5%
Our Rating: 8 out of 10
It’s been only a few months since we tasted Georges Duboeuf Shiraz 2003 and Georges Duboeuf Merlot 2003, but it’s apparent a lot has changed with Georges Duboeuf Pinot Noir 2005. The bottle is now an explosion of color, as the glass vessel features a floral plastic overlay that completely encases it. The cork is now artificial, and, interestingly enough, is not only labeled with the name of the maker but the varietal as well. Beyond the packaging, it’s not a bad wine. The nose is rather earthy. On the palate, this Pinot Noir is well balanced, with cherry and raspberry notes leading into a spicy finish. The tannins were a bit prominent, but after a bit of breathing things smoothed out a bit.
It’s interesting to see this French label forsake its traditional rectangular label for an almost pop art bottle. That approach is bound to alter its shelf appeal, and position it a an alternative to the dozens or hundreds of bland bottles in the typical shop. We’d like to see a wine in the bottle that was as original as the label.
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February 28th, 2008 at 7:00 pm
I am drinking a Georges Duboeuf 2005 Pinot Noir right now but the bottle is green glass with a white label. a red-orange cosmo looking flower is on it. had a real cork. At $6.99 a bottle, wow! I like it. I am interested in why the difference in corks and bottles?
Thanks
February 29th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
It seems like this brand has gone through several iterations in packaging. The theme has always been floral, but changed from a single flower to an almost psychedelic look. I doubt if the wine itself has changed as much as the bottle!
Roger
March 11th, 2008 at 8:25 pm
I bought a bottle of each tonight. The psychedelic bottle is labeled as “reserve” at a $1 increase in price. I haven’t tried the “reserve” yet, but really do like the original quite a bit.
July 25th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
I just scored a bottle of the reserve (fancy labeling and plastic cork)for $2.99! What a deal!
I also found bought the 2006 reserve Merlot and 2006 reserve Shiraz for the same price.
July 25th, 2008 at 9:09 pm
Great price, Nick!