"While there was some variation with this wine on the three separate occasions I tasted it, it is unquestionably a spectacular effort as well as one of the finest Beau Sejour-Becots made by proprietor Gerard Becot. The natural alcohol came in just under 15%, and the blend of 70% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon was cropped at 35 hectoliters per hectare. Despite the wine’s massiveness, intensity, and powerful, full-bodied flavors that coat the palate, there is remarkable freshness, definition, and lightness because of the vintage’s unusual combination of huge richness, incredible tannin levels, record breaking alcohol levels, and very good acids. This should turn out to be a profound St.-Emilion and may merit a score in the mid-nineties if everything goes as well as I suspect it should. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2028." 92-95 points R. Parker



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"Unquestionably the most compelling wine made at this estate since their perfect 1990, this renowned terroir has turned out a prodigious 2005 made from a blend of 70% Merlot, and equal parts Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Yields were only 34 hectoliters per hectare, and the alcohol content exceeds 13.5%. The bouquet is reminiscent of the 1990's with scents of blueberries, crushed rocks, acacia flowers, blackberries, and subtle wood. Stunningly rich and full-bodied, with a more tannic structure than the 1990 as well as abundant purity, freshness, and multiple layers, it is a noble, racy effort with fabulous potential. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2030."94-96 points R. Parker



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"The most profound Beychevelle since the 1982, the elegant yet powerful 2005 exhibits an opaque purple color as well as a sweet nose of plums, black currants, flowers, and minerals. Medium to full body, refreshing acidity, good definition, and strong flavors characterize this top-flight effort. It should easily last for 25-30 years." 91-93 points R. Parker



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"Boyd-Cantenac’s tannic, pure 2005 may be the finest wine I have yet tasted from this estate. Like so many Margaux cru classes, it performed extraordinarily well in this vintage. An inky/purple color accompanies sweet blueberry and cassis fruit, floral, licorice, and wet steel-like characteristics. Deep, full-bodied, powerful, structured, and tannic, it is a classic, long-lived effort to consume between 2011-2030+." 90-93 points R. Parker



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"Branaire, which has been ratcheting up the quality level over the last 5-6 years, made such a great 2003, I am hesitant to suggest the 2005 is as good, or even better. It will undoubtedly come down to consumer’s personal preference, with the 2003 more exotic and flamboyant, and the 2005 more structured or “classic.” In any event, the 2005 is one of the top Branaires ever made. Its inky/ruby/purple color is followed by sweet aromas of spring flowers interwoven with black cherries, cranberries, cassis, plums, and hints of forest floor, wet rocks, and new oak. With wonderful purity, full body, terrific fruit intensity, a beautiful, expansive texture, and a stunning 45-50-second finish, it should be at its peak between 2011-2030." 94-96 points R. Parker



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"This is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon (as ripe and impressive as Madame Gasqueton has ever seen) and 40% Merlot. The Merlot was harvested between September 15-22 and the Cabernet Sauvignon was brought in during the first two weeks of October. The result is a classic Calon-Segur exhibiting a dense purple color, ripe black cherry, cassis, smoke, earth, and new oak characteristics, powerful but sweet tannin, a huge texture, and broad, concentrated flavors. It will undoubtedly close down after bottling. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2030+." 93-96 points R. Parker



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"Another excellent vintage for Bordeaux's dry whites, which tend to be vastly underrated and exceptionally long-lived (30-40 years in some cases). The 2005s possess crisp acidity as well as serious weight, richness, and texture. Space constraints did not allow full tasting notes, but this is one of the top 2005 dry white Bordeaux wines." 92-94 points R. Parker



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"The finest Carbonnieux I have ever tasted, the deep ruby/purple-tinged 2005 offers gorgeously sweet aromas of black cherries, cassis, spice box, smoke, and new oak. Medium-bodied, beautifully rich, savory, and spicy, with moderate tannin, it will be drinkable between 2009-2025. It reminds me of a synthesis in style between a grand cru Burgundy and a classic Graves. It is a brilliant wine!" 91-93 points R. Parker



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An amazing value from this fabulous vintage. When we first tasted barrell samples of this wine, we were shocked at the quality. If this is so good, what about the others? Consumers will be in heaven with this wine. The chateau is located a few yeards behind Gruaud Larose and Lagrange and in 2005 they've hit every mark.

"Lots of berry and chocolate character with hints of vanilla. Full-bodied, with a solid core of fruit and silky tannins. Impressive. Almost hard to believe, it's so good. Almost 92-94. —J.S. 89-91 points Wine Spectator

Robert Parker, Issue #164..."Sleeper of the vintage" 88-90 points



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"The 2005 Cuvee Johanna (also 13.5% alcohol) is aged in 100% new oak, and sees malolactic in wood as well as lees stirring, a la Burgundy. A big-time sleeper of the vintage, it possesses superb intensity, full-bodied power, a dense purple color, sweet truffle-infused black raspberry and blackberry fruit, a beautiful texture, and a long, chocolatey, heady mouthfeel as well as finish. It should drink well for a decade." 90-92 points R. Parker



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"One of the most consistent Cru Bourgeois over the last 10-15 years, this 10,000-case blend of 50% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 20% Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot achieved 13+% natural alcohol. Its inky/blue/purple color is accompanied by an intense perfume of flowers, blue and black fruits, licorice, and subtle wood. The 2005 is more powerful, richly concentrated, and nuanced than usual. With decent acidity, moderate tannin, and a blockbuster finish, it should drink well for 10-12 years." 89-91 points R. Parker



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"This is a wine for readers with incredibly long life-expectancies as it possesses the power and longevity associated with many pre-phylloxera, 19th century wines of Bordeaux. Like so many of the small St.-Emilion estates, there are no compromises at Clos de Sarpe. The 2005 was hand-harvested from yields of 25 hectoliters per hectare, given a 55-day maceration, and aged in a combination of new wood. It will be bottled unfiltered. The wine achieved 14+% alcohol naturally. This opaque purple-colored, massive, ferociously tannic offering reveals scary concentration levels, huge dry extract, and technical numbers that are off the charts. Despite its impressive credentials, size, richness, and overall balance, it will close down after bottling, and re-emerge 10-15 years later. My conservative guess is that this gigantic, colossal St.-Emilion will be drinkable around 2015-2020, and last for 40-50 years." 94-96 points R. Parker



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"Fashioned by Stephan von Neipperg, the 2005 is one of the best Clos de l’Oratoires ever made. A blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, the yields were small and the fruit was picked very ripe. Along with low acidity as well as loads of tannin, it reveals great fruit, and an exotic, flamboyant bouquet of cedar, spice box, black fruits, and a hint of roasted coffee. This full-bodied, opulent, sumptuous effort will be one of the few 2005s that will be impossible to resist upon release. It should drink well for 10-15 years." 91-94 points R. Parker



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"Clos Puy Arnaud is nearly always a seriously made as well as potentially long-lived offering, as evidenced by the 2005. This blend of 60% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Carmenere boasts a saturated blue/purple color in addition to a sweet nose of black raspberries, cranberries, crushed rocks, and background wood. Displaying terrific old vine intensity, it hits the palate with a rush of fruit, glycerin, and tannin. With good structure, purity, and potential, it will require 2-3 years to settle down, and should last for 15 or more years." 90-92 points R. Parker



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":The 2005 Cos d’Estournel is made from an unusual blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, and 3% Cabernet Franc. The Merlot was picked during the last nine days of September, and the Cabernets were finished by the 9th of October. The 2005's 13.85% alcohol is the highest this estate has ever achieved. The implementation of such Burgundian winemaking techniques as malolactic in barrel and aging on its lees are resulting in wines of extraordinary texture as well as elegance. The 2003 may be more opulent, and for my taste a more compelling wine, but the 2005 is at the same level. Made from yields of 40 hectoliters per hectare, it exhibits an inky/purple color as well as a gorgeous nose of sweet red and black fruits, camphor, cedar, and pain grille. Extraordinarily well-defined, nuanced, and powerful, with high tannin as well as magnificent texture and richness, this classic offering will be uncommonly long-lived. It will not be close to drinkability for another 5-7 years, and should last for 30 or more. A fabulous wine!" 95-97 points R. Parker



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"Following some indifferent efforts between 2002-2004, the Reiffers family has had resounding success with all three of their 2005s (Cote de Baleau, Grandes Murailles, and Clos St.-Martin). The dense purple-colored Cote de Baleau offers up notes of kirsch liqueur and black fruits in its sweet, concentrated, full-bodied personality. With ripe tannin as well as decent acidity, it will offer lovely drinking over the next 12-15 years." 90-92 points R. Parker



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"This lower pedigree wine represents undeniable quality/value rapport in 2005. This vintage is so deep in quality among the better run, less heralded estates, that these wines should appeal to readers looking for terrific values from Bordeaux. Most of these wines are Merlot-based and will be drinkable young. Sleeper of the vintage." 88-90 points R. Parker



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"There are only 3,000 bottles of this 100% Merlot cuvee, making it a quintessential poster boy for garage wines. Deep purple-colored with terrific texture, opulence, and voluptuousness, it is an exotic, sexy St.-Emilion to consume during its first 10-15 years of life." 93-95 points R. Parker



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"While some octogenarians may argue that 1900 is better, this is the finest d’Issan I have ever tasted. The 2005 boasts a deep plum/ruby color as well as a beautiful projected bouquet of flowers, licorice, sweet currants, plums, cherries, and smoke. There is lovely purity in the mouth as well as an etched, precise character, stunning concentration, decent acidity, and an impressive finish that lasts nearly 45 seconds. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2025+." 92-94 points R. Parker



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"A terrific, fruit-forward Margaux offering wonderful smoky, melted licorice, chocolate, espresso, creme de cassis, and wild mountain berry notes, the 2005 Du Tertre possesses a dense purple color, medium to full body, superb purity, a sweet, expansive texture, and surprisingly silky, but lofty tannins. This brilliant wine should be at its best between 2008-2020." 91-94 points R. Parker



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"Made from yields of 27 hectoliters per hectare, the 2005 Faugere's dense ruby/purple color is accompanied by sweet blueberry, raspberry, and cherry fruit interwoven with pain grille and spice box notes. It is a powerful, full-bodied yet elegant wine with good acidity as well as beautiful purity. Enjoy it between 2010-2020. 91-93 points R. Parker



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"The best Figeac since the 2000 and 1990, this dense plum/ruby/purple-tinged 2005 offers up sweet aromas of creosote, incense, fruitcake, black cherries, and cassis. With soft but noticeable tannin this impeccably elegant, medium-bodied, authoritatively-flavored, pure, long wine will be drinkable between 2009-2020." 91-94 points R. Parker



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"Fleur-Cardinale’s new owners, Dominique Decosters and his beautiful wife, Florence, of Havilland porcelain fame, assisted admirably by the top oenologist in Michel Rolland’s laboratory, Jean-Philippe Fort, have turned this 40 plus acre vineyard into one of St.-Emilion’s bright shining stars. There are just under 6,000 cases of this stunning blend of 80% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon. Its dense purple hue is followed by glorious aromas of flowers, black cherries, cassis, new saddle leather, and subtle wood. The wine reveals fabulous purity, beautiful symmetry, an expansive mouthfeel, a multilayered texture, magnificent richness, high tannin, and refreshing acidity. The alcohol is an unusually high 14.5% (a characteristic of many 2005 Right Bank efforts). This superb classic is not to be missed. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2025." 92-95 points R. Parker



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"Unquestionably the finest effort from this estate since 1998, this sleeper of the vintage tastes like roast beef soaked in cassis and cherries. Inky/purple-colored, powerful, dense, and long, it possesses huge body, glycerin, and structure. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020+" 90-9 points R. Parker



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"Following a period of mixed performances, Grand-Puy-Lacoste’s 2005 is their finest effort since 2000 and 1996. It offers a deep ruby/purple color in addition to a beautiful, pure bouquet of creme de cassis, full body, moderately high tannin, and good precision, freshness, weight, and richness. Like many of the classified growths, it is a candidate to shut down after bottling. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025." 92-94 points R. Parker



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"Unquestionably the finest wine Haut-Bergey has produced since 2000, this deep purple-colored beauty is a classic example of Pessac-Leognan’s smoky, earthy style. Sweet red and black currant fruit, scorched earth, and a subtle burning ember/smoky character emerge from this ripe, full-bodied effort. With terrific fruit, good acidity, and high but ripe tannin, it should hit its peak in 3-5 years, and last for two decades. It is a blend of equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon." 91-93 points R. Parker



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"Joanin Becot’s amazing 2005, a sleeper of the vintage, should be priced realistically. This stunning blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc (32-year old vines) achieved 14.5% natural alcohol. A saturated purple color offers up scents of graphite, blueberries, blackberries, smoke, and charcoal. Dense, opulent, and full-bodied, with stunning concentration, sweet but noticeable tannin, and terrific purity as well as nuances, this is unquestionably one of the finest wines I have ever tasted from the Cotes de Castillon. Drink it over the next 10-15 years." 92-94 points R. Parker



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"One of the All-Star garage operations, this 100% Merlot cuvee from a 6-acre, 32-year old vineyard is a consistently exotic/flamboyant St.-Emilion that some of the wine world’s reactionaries presumably find too tasty and over-the-top. The deep purple-hued 2005 (1,000 cases produced; 14.5% natural alcohol) may turn out to be La Gomerie’s finest effort to date, and certainly rivals the 2000. It offers an exotic perfume of jammy blackberries, kirsch liqueur, melted licorice, and roasted coffee. Fruit, glycerin, and massive extract conceal a touch of sweet oak, and the wine cascades over the palate with magnificent layers of glycerin and richness. This huge, rich, impeccably well-balanced St.-Emilion possesses remarkable freshness and delineation. It will be irresistible young as it should not close down after bottling. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2020+." 94-96 points R. Parker



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"With a production of just under 1,700 cases, this dense ruby/purple-colored, 100% Merlot comes from proprietor Denis Barraud, one of St.-Emilion’s rising stars. It is a wine of huge intensity, purity, richness, balance, and texture, but is not yet revealing much complexity. It appears to have the potential for 15+ years of longevity." 91-93 points R. Parker



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"Until now, my reference vintage for La Lagune has been 1982, with the 1990 running a close second. However, the 2005 has the potential to be the finest La Lagune I have ever tasted. Dense ruby/purple-colored with sweet, briery, mountain berry notes interwoven with flowers, cherries, pain grille, and spice, it is intense yet elegant with tremendous purity and precision. While always somewhat Burgundian in style, the 2005 possesses more muscle and power than usual. It should be drinkable in 3-4 years, and last for 25 or more. It is a brilliant effort from this chateau." 92-94 points R. Parker



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"An undeniable sleeper of the vintage, this brilliant effort from the Cotes de Francs is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. Stephane Derenoncourt, the estate’s winemaking consultant, has fashioned a 2005 boasting 14.5% alcohol that is remarkably fresh as well as superbly concentrated. This classic, powerful, ageworthy claret should last for 10-15 years or more" 89-91 points R. Parker



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2005 is a Bordeaux vintage where consumers will get a HUGE bang for the buck. This little gem will do just that and you will not have to wait long. Both Labat and Caronne Ste Gemme will be bottled in June and will reach our shores in September/October of this year.

"Big and grapey, with coffee and chocolate character. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long finish. Very good for this estate. 2000 in the remake. —J.S." 89-91 points Wine Spectator



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"Once again the provocative words “the best ever made” appear in my tasting notes. In twenty-eight years, I have never tasted a Lagrange as amazing as this 2005. Its dense ruby/purple color is accompanied by pure notes of creme de cassis, cedar, spice box, and a hint of cherries. Full-bodied, powerful, and opulent, with high tannin as well as extract in addition to great freshness, definition, and length, this long-lived beauty should be at its finest between 2012-2030." 92-94 points R. Parker



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"The finest l’Arrosee since 1990 and 1982, this estate’s new owner is clearly on the right path to restoring this impeccable terroir to its former glory. Top-flight oenologist Gilles Pouquet is overseeing the vinification, and the result is a wine that combines the best of Burgundy and Bordeaux. Elegant, fragrant, complex aromas of sweet cherries, spice box, loamy soil, earth, and flowers soar from the glass of this deep ruby/purple-tinged St.-Emilion. There is not a hard edge to be found in this quintessentially elegant yet densely concentrated, savory wine. With sweet tannin, a layered texture, and wonderful freshness as well as vivacity, it should be at its peak between 2010-2025." 91-94 points R. Parker



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"The most profound Lascombes produced under the new ownership, the 2005 is a 25,000-case blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, and 3% Petit Verdot. It boasts an inky/blue/purple color in addition to an extraordinary perfume of charcoal, barbecue smoke, grilled meats, and sweet blackberries, cherries, and violets. With tremendous intensity, purity, freshness, definition, palate presence, and a moderately tannic finish (the tannin is sweet and well-integrated), this blockbuster is rich and concentrated yet maintains its Margaux typicity. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2030" 94-96 points R. Parker



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"The 2005 is unquestionably the finest Le Gay since 1982, 1975, and perhaps even 1947. Kudos to consulting winemaker Michel Rolland and the estate’s relatively new proprietor, Catherine Pere-Verge, for pushing the envelope to this level. Reminiscent of an old style Le Gay or Lafleur, it boasts an inky/blue/purple color as well as an exquisite perfume of raspberry and blueberry liqueur intermixed with flowers, kirsch, licorice, and earth. This dense, powerful, concentrated, full-bodied yet well-balanced and symmetrical Pomerol possesses a boatload of tannin, but it is largely concealed by the lofty alcohol, glycerin, and extract. A brilliant effort, it represents a new reference point for Le Gay. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2035." 94-96 points R. Parker



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"This jewel of an estate hidden in a beautiful park (with a swan-filled lake), just behind Haut-Brion, has produced the finest Les Carmes since the 1998 and 2000. The 2005's huge, fragrant nose of spring flowers, blue and red fruits, cedar, and wet rocks soars from the glass. While not a powerful blockbuster, this medium-bodied wine’s terrific intensity, fruit purity, elegance, delicacy, and long persistent finish suggest it will be at its finest between 2011-2025. A liqueur of elegance and grace." 91-94 points R. Parker



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"Space limitations did not allow complete tasting notes for this Cru Bourgeois, but 2005 is the finest vintage for these wines since 1982. The range of scores for these wines should give readers an idea of just how consistent this vintage is at this level. Given the style of the vintage, most of these wines should be accessible young yet evolve for a decade or more because of their concentration and tannic structure." 90-92 points R. Parker



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"One of St.-Emilion’s top garage wines (1,000 cases produced), the 2005 Lucia is a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc fashioned from tiny yields of 20 hectoliters per hectare. Stephane Derenoncourt is the consultant, which explains the wine’s impeccable high quality. Boasting a saturated purple color as well as beautiful opulence and richness, it offers copious quantities of creme de cassis-like fruit infused with smoke, barrique, and spice aromas. Dense, rich, beautifully pure, and nicely nuanced with refreshing acidity providing uplift and balance, this terrific wine should drink well young yet age well for 15+ years." 92-94 points R. Parker



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"This dense inky/purple-hued, elegant Lynch Bages will not make tasters forget the 2000, 1996, 1990, or 1989, but it is a big improvement over some recent indifferent efforts. Although lacking the massiveness expected in a vintage such as 2005, it possesses copious quantities of creme de cassis, licorice, smoke, and minerals. With good precision, lively acidity, wonderful purity and elegance, it may represent a modern-day clone of the brilliant 1955 fashioned by charismatic proprietor, Jean-Michel Cazes’, father. The 2005 will require 3-5 years of cellaring, and should evolve for 20-25 years."91-93 points R. Parker



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"A spectacular effort fashioned from tiny yields of 22 hectoliters per hectare, this blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc (harvested during the first week of October) reveals a black/purple color as well as sweet aromas of creme de cassis, blueberry liqueur, graphite, and espresso roast. Opulent and full-bodied, with tremendous viscosity in addition to good underlying structure and definition, superb purity, broad, powerful flavors, and the potential to evolve for 20-25 years or more, it should be at its apogee between 2010-2030. Wow!" 94-96 points R. Parker



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"There are 7,000 cases of this 60% Merlot/30% Cabernet Franc/10% Cabernet Sauvignon blend from the home estate of Chantal and Gerard Perse. Although this is not considered to be one of St.-Emilion’s finest terroirs, everything is done in an artisinal manner - including hand harvesting, hand sorting, a draconian selection in both the vineyard and the cellars, and Burgundy-like treatments of malolactic in barrel and aging sur-lie. Monbousquet has been a stunning success ever since Perse took over the property. Earlier vintages continue to suggest that this cuvee has far greater longevity than expected given the opulence and enormous fruit. For example, the 1998 and 1999 remain infants in terms of development, and the 1995 is just coming into a pre-adolescent stage. The 2005 (13.5% alcohol) possesses a saturated blue/purple color as well as a big, sweet nose of pain grille, roasted herbs, grilled meats, black cherry jam, blackberries, and spice. Powerful, full-bodied, and dense yet elegant, deep, and layered, its pure fruit, concentration, and overall quality hide the moderately high tannin. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2023." 92-94 points R. Parker



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"The greatest Pape-Clement ever produced? There is no question that proprietor Bernard Magrez, backed up by the eminent consulting winemaker, Michel Rolland, has produced a succession of brilliant wines over the last decade or more. The 2005, a potential legend, boasts a dense purple color along with a glorious, smoky bouquet displaying notions of graphite, plums, cassis, licorice, and subtle oak. Full-bodied with magnificent intensity, beautiful fresh acidity, tremendous definition, and a powerful, moderately tannic, super-concentrated finish, this beauty should come into its own by 2010, and last for three decades or more. It is a prodigious effort!" 96-100 points R. Parker



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"One of St.-Emilion’s true exuberant fruit bombs, the explosively rich, intense 2005 is the finest Pipeau I have ever tasted. It even eclipses the 2000. A dense purple color is accompanied by glorious aromas of black raspberries, cherries, licorice, and smoke. It is an in-your-face, exotic, full-bodied effort that begs for attention. While not a classic claret, in terms of pleasure, few wines deliver as much exuberance and fruit. Enjoy it over the next 12-15 years." 91-93 points R. Parker



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"Absolutely spectacular, Pontet-Canet’s 2005 receives the full attention of dedicated proprietor Alfred Tesseron. Produced from yields of 35 hectoliters per hectare (25% less wine than in 2004), it is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot. The first vintage vinified in tiny cement cuves with pigeage for some lots, this wine will have 40-50 years of longevity, and should turn out to be the greatest Pontet-Canet since such ancient classics as 1961, 1945, and 1929. It boasts an inky/purple color as well as pure creme de cassis aromas, first-growth nobility and raciness, massive body, tannin, and extract, and a finish that lasts nearly a minute. With extraordinary purity and density, it is unapproachable at present, and is best cellared until 2012, and drunk over the following 50 years." 94-96 points R. Parker



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"Even considering some of the great vintages produced under the late Alexis Lichine, this estate has never made a wine as impressive as their 2005. Consultant Stephane Derenoncourt is obviously realizing this vineyard’s full potential. The deep ruby/purple color is accompanied by an open-knit, exotic bouquet of spice, incense, flowers, and sweet black cherries and blackberries. Rich and opulent, with ripe tannin, a savory, voluminous mouthfeel, and wonderful definition as well as elegance, this gorgeous wine is a tour de force for Prieure-Lichine. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2025." 91-94 points R. Parker



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"Possibly the finest Reignac I have ever tasted from proprietor Yves Vatelot, this superlative blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon is treated like a spoiled child, aged on its lees, and bottled unfiltered. There are over 16,000 cases of this cuvee, which should be uncommonly long-lived for a wine of this pedigree. Its dense ruby/purple color is followed by a sweet nose of blackberries, cherries, smoke, and pain grille. Deep, full-bodied, moderately tannic, fresh, and well-delineated, with 14% natural alcohol, it should drink well for 10-12 years." 91-93 points R. Parker



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"The greatest Rouget ever made? A true sleeper of the vintage, this terrific 2005 exhibits tremendous opulence and power along with full body, and oodles of resiny black cherry fruit. It possesses tremendous glycerin, and the alcohol must be at least 14.5%. With good purity, enough acidity to provide definition, and abundant tannin, it can be consumed over the next 15 years." 90-93 points R. Parker



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"A dense ruby/purple color along with superb black cherry, currant, forest floor, herb, and new saddle leather aromas, huge ripeness, massive structure, and tremendous concentration emerge from this broodingly backward, formidably muscular St.-Julien. It will require 6-8 years of cellaring, but should keep for 25-30. A top-notch effort, the 2005 may be the finest wine I have ever tasted from Saint-Pierre." 92-94 points R. Parker



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"Sanctus is the luxury cuvee of Chateau La Bienfaisance, and the 2005 is unquestionably their finest effort to date. A 90% Merlot/10% Cabernet Franc blend fashioned from yields of 30 hectoliters per hectare, this blockbuster boasts an inky/purple color in addition to scents of graphite, blueberries, blackberries, cassis, and espresso roast. Dense, rich, and pure, with high, but sweet tannin, amazing levels of glycerin, and a 40+ second finish, it should drink well young yet age effortlessly for 15-18 years." 92-95 points R. Parker



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"I know it sounds like a broken record, but this may be the best Smith-Haut-Lafitte ever made. A prodigious effort, the 2005 boasts an inky/blue/purple color, sweet aromas of graphite, white chocolate, espresso, and blue, red, and black fruits, extraordinary density, moderately high tannin, medium body, fabulous layers, and an enticing texture. However, it comes across as delicate and fresh because of its acidity. This ageworthy Graves should last for 25-30+ years." 93-95 points R. Parker



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As stated by Mr. Parker in the Wine Advocate issue $164, this is a BIG TIME SLEEPER OF THE VINTAGE. With a preliminary rating of 88-90 points, this certainly promises to please both the palate and the purse.



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