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Search Flickinger Wine Inventory
Inventory updated: Mon, Jul 16, 2018 05:33 PM cst
Your search criteria:
Regions: Bordeaux Red
Vintages: Between 2005 and 2005
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | Bordeaux Red |
| Ch. d' Armailhac |
2005 |
Pauillac ETA 90-120 Days (12x750ML)  |
$1,055.99 |
5 |
|
| |
WA 90+ (4/2008): This powerful, tannic, structured effort from Mouton-Rothschild’s stable is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Its dense ruby/purple color is followed by an earthy nose dominated by black currants and toasty, smoky oak. Medium to full-bodied with relatively high tannin, decent acidity, and a fine finish, it should be at its best between 2014-2030.
NM 90 (7/2011): Tasted at BBR’s 2005/2009 tasting in London. Here, the d’Armailhac is ripe and ebullient on the nose with glossy red-berried fruit, tobacco, graphite and just a touch of soy. Full ‘o beans indeed! The palate is medium bodied with chunky tannins, a little rough round the edges with a tannic, saline finish with touches of boysenberry and Hoi Sin. Very fine. |
|
| Ch. de la Behere |
2005 |
Pauillac |
$39 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. Bourgneuf |
2005 |
Pomerol ETA 90-120 Days (12x750ML) |
$568.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. Branaire-Ducru |
2005 |
St. Julien ETA Fall 2018 ex-Negociant |
$99 |
20 |
|
| |
WA 95 (4/2008): As usual, the 2005 Branaire-Ducru is one of the more distinctive wines of St.-Julien. Proprietor Patrick Maroteaux has turned out another classic. While not as opulent or fleshy as the 2003, and it remains to be seen if it will eclipse the 2000, the 2005 is a big, structured, intensely rich effort with raspberry, blueberry, and spring flower garden characteristics, stunning purity, full-bodied power, and good underlying acidity as well as harmony. The hard tannins suggest 8-9 years of cellaring will be beneficial; it should last for three decades. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030+.
VM 94 (6/2008): Dark red-ruby. Plum, chocolate and some exotic smoky oak on the nose. Lush, smooth and sweet but not at all over the top; offers unusual volume and breadth for Branaire. The exotic aspect carries through on the palate, and yet this wine is holding plenty of material in reserve. Finishes with building tannins and excellent length. Offers superb potential for aging.
WS 92 (3/2008): Very floral, showing blueberry, licorice and mineral on the nose. Full and very silky, with beautifully polished tannins. Long and caressing. This is always very well done and good value for the quality. Best after 2010. |
|
|
2005 |
St. Julien ETA 90-120 Days (12x750ML) |
$1,208.99 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 95 (4/2008): As usual, the 2005 Branaire-Ducru is one of the more distinctive wines of St.-Julien. Proprietor Patrick Maroteaux has turned out another classic. While not as opulent or fleshy as the 2003, and it remains to be seen if it will eclipse the 2000, the 2005 is a big, structured, intensely rich effort with raspberry, blueberry, and spring flower garden characteristics, stunning purity, full-bodied power, and good underlying acidity as well as harmony. The hard tannins suggest 8-9 years of cellaring will be beneficial; it should last for three decades. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030+.
VM 94 (6/2008): Dark red-ruby. Plum, chocolate and some exotic smoky oak on the nose. Lush, smooth and sweet but not at all over the top; offers unusual volume and breadth for Branaire. The exotic aspect carries through on the palate, and yet this wine is holding plenty of material in reserve. Finishes with building tannins and excellent length. Offers superb potential for aging.
WS 92 (3/2008): Very floral, showing blueberry, licorice and mineral on the nose. Full and very silky, with beautifully polished tannins. Long and caressing. This is always very well done and good value for the quality. Best after 2010. |
|
|
2005 |
St. Julien ETA 90-120 Days (6x1.5L) |
$1,228.99 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 95 (4/2008): As usual, the 2005 Branaire-Ducru is one of the more distinctive wines of St.-Julien. Proprietor Patrick Maroteaux has turned out another classic. While not as opulent or fleshy as the 2003, and it remains to be seen if it will eclipse the 2000, the 2005 is a big, structured, intensely rich effort with raspberry, blueberry, and spring flower garden characteristics, stunning purity, full-bodied power, and good underlying acidity as well as harmony. The hard tannins suggest 8-9 years of cellaring will be beneficial; it should last for three decades. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030+.
VM 94 (6/2008): Dark red-ruby. Plum, chocolate and some exotic smoky oak on the nose. Lush, smooth and sweet but not at all over the top; offers unusual volume and breadth for Branaire. The exotic aspect carries through on the palate, and yet this wine is holding plenty of material in reserve. Finishes with building tannins and excellent length. Offers superb potential for aging.
WS 92 (3/2008): Very floral, showing blueberry, licorice and mineral on the nose. Full and very silky, with beautifully polished tannins. Long and caressing. This is always very well done and good value for the quality. Best after 2010. |
|
| Ch. Calon-Segur |
2005 |
St. Estephe ETA Fall 2018 ex-Negociant |
$125 |
21 |
|
| |
JS 94 (11/2015): Tight and dense still but so integrated and seamless in texture. Aromas of chocolate, hazelnuts, dried spices and currants. Full body, superfine tannins and a texture that is so caressing and beautiful. Drink or hold.
NM 94 (3/2015): Tasted from an ex-château bottle at BI Wine & Spirits Calon-Segur dinner in London, the 2005 Calon Segur is on par with the wonderful 2000. The only real difference is that this needs more time in bottle. It has a captivating nose: blackberry and boysenberry fruit coming at you at full pelt; dried blood and bacon fat developing as secondary aromas just behind. There is fine delineation here - an underlying mineralité sure to surface with time. The palate is very intense and disarmingly youthful, almost ferrous on the entry with layers of ripe black fruit that segue into an earthy finish (with a curious light tang of Marmite on the aftertaste!). It is a fabulous Calon Ségur, though the millennial wine might ultimately possess greater precision. We will see.
WA 93 (6/2015): The 2005 is a beautiful Calon Ségur, with sweet mocha, black cherry, leathery fruit, medium to full body, attractive purity, a gorgeous texture, and serious nobility, gravitas and density. Drink it over the next 20-30 years, yet it is surprisingly accessible.
WS 93 (3/2008): Has a beautiful nose of crushed berry, spices and nutmeg, with a hint of coffee. Then turns to licorice. Full-bodied, with supersilky tannins and a long finish of vanilla, berry and cinnamon. Beautifully crafted. Best after 2014. 17,500 cases made.
VM 92+ (6/2008): Deep, bright ruby-red. Deeply pitched aromas of black raspberry, black cherry, leather, smoked meat, earth and menthol. Chewy, brooding and deep, with concentrated black cherry, menthol, mineral and leather flavors framed by a powerful spine of acids and tannins. Really saturates the palate on the tannic back end. I'd give this classic St. Estephe a decade of aging, at which time this wine may well merit an even higher score. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2005 |
St. Estephe (6.0 L) |
$1,000 |
1 |
|
| |
JS 94 (11/2015): Tight and dense still but so integrated and seamless in texture. Aromas of chocolate, hazelnuts, dried spices and currants. Full body, superfine tannins and a texture that is so caressing and beautiful. Drink or hold.
NM 94 (3/2015): Tasted from an ex-château bottle at BI Wine & Spirits Calon-Segur dinner in London, the 2005 Calon Segur is on par with the wonderful 2000. The only real difference is that this needs more time in bottle. It has a captivating nose: blackberry and boysenberry fruit coming at you at full pelt; dried blood and bacon fat developing as secondary aromas just behind. There is fine delineation here - an underlying mineralité sure to surface with time. The palate is very intense and disarmingly youthful, almost ferrous on the entry with layers of ripe black fruit that segue into an earthy finish (with a curious light tang of Marmite on the aftertaste!). It is a fabulous Calon Ségur, though the millennial wine might ultimately possess greater precision. We will see.
WA 93 (6/2015): The 2005 is a beautiful Calon Ségur, with sweet mocha, black cherry, leathery fruit, medium to full body, attractive purity, a gorgeous texture, and serious nobility, gravitas and density. Drink it over the next 20-30 years, yet it is surprisingly accessible.
WS 93 (3/2008): Has a beautiful nose of crushed berry, spices and nutmeg, with a hint of coffee. Then turns to licorice. Full-bodied, with supersilky tannins and a long finish of vanilla, berry and cinnamon. Beautifully crafted. Best after 2014. 17,500 cases made.
VM 92+ (6/2008): Deep, bright ruby-red. Deeply pitched aromas of black raspberry, black cherry, leather, smoked meat, earth and menthol. Chewy, brooding and deep, with concentrated black cherry, menthol, mineral and leather flavors framed by a powerful spine of acids and tannins. Really saturates the palate on the tannic back end. I'd give this classic St. Estephe a decade of aging, at which time this wine may well merit an even higher score. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Ch. Canon |
2005 |
St. Emilion ETA Fall 2018 ex-Negociant |
$151 |
10 |
|
| |
NM 96 (2/2015): The Château Canon 2005 has a more complex nose than the Clos Fourtet tasted alongside. It is tightly wound at first with black cherries and dried violet petals, terracotta tiles and brown spices. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and very well-judged acidity. This is very harmonious in the mouth, nicely structured with great precision and persistence. There is a sense of reserve here, but it has a compelling complexity that will surely be enhanced with bottle age. It’s wines like these that remind you why this has such as devoted following that includes yours truly among its number.
WA 95 (10/2015): Tasted at the Château Canon vertical, the 2005 Canon is evolving into a quite gorgeous Saint Emilion. One can still discern those brown spices infiltrating the ripe red and black fruit. There is fine mineralité here, great focus, perhaps just a hint of dried blood that develops with time. The palate is medium-bodied with supple, ripe tannin. It is a very complex Saint Emilion with immense purity and style, a wine that you have to keep coming back to in order to understand. It's at that pivotal stage between primary and secondary notes, the red and black fruit being overtaken by cedar, morels and a touch of game. It gently lifts and fans out to a quite captivating finish. Dare I say that the 2005 Canon is the pick of the three over 2009 and 2010? There...I've said it...it is a quite brilliant wine.
JS 94 (4/2012): Aromas of fresh cep mushrooms, berries, spices, roses, and sous bois, give way to hints of milk chocolate and vanilla. Full and rich, with beautifully balanced tannins and a long finish. Loads going on in this wine, yet it remains subtle and beautiful. This needs time. Pull the cork after 2015.
WS 93 (3/2017): Shows a lightly roasted edge at first, with raspberry and boysenberry confiture notes laced with melted licorice, singed alder and firm graphite details. Reveals a fine chalky hint, but this has more bass than treble overall. Still rather tight. Best from 2020 through 2030. 4,200 cases made.
VM 90 (5/2008): Full ruby-red. Sexy, high-toned nose shows a very sweet maraschino cherry quality. Then juicy and energetic, with a vinosity that almost comes as a shock following the nose. The subtle flavors of currant, graphite and minerals linger nicely. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Ch. Cantemerle |
2005 |
Haut Medoc ETA 90-120 Days (12x750ML) |
$637.99 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 90 (4/2008): Cantemerle’s new proprietors believe in producing delicate, beautifully wrought, finesse-styled wines that require some introspection. The deep ruby-hued 2005 displays aromas of licorice, roasted herbs, sweet cherries, and flowers. In the mouth, the wine seems almost light in comparison to its peers, but it possesses an ethereal seriousness, purity, and overall harmony that are striking for its delicacy and finesse. A blend of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest primarily Merlot with a tiny dollop of Cabernet Franc, it should be at its finest between 2012-2025+.
WS 90 (3/2008): Shows blackberry and plum skin aromas, with hints of vanilla. Medium- to full-bodied, with soft, velvety tannins and a pretty, fruity aftertaste. An elegant, balanced style. Lingers on the palate. Best after 2012. 33,330 cases made.
VM 88+ (6/2008): Good medium ruby . Reticent aromas of black cherry and licorice. Bright, tight and high-pitched, with very fresh flavors of dark fruits and flowers currently dominated by firm tannic spine. A bit youthfully tough and in need of at least several years of cellaring. |
|
| Clos du Clocher |
2005 |
Pomerol ETA 90-120 Days (12x750ML) |
$700.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. Desmirail |
2005 |
Margaux ETA 90-120 Days (6x750ML) |
$372.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. Ducru-Beaucaillou |
2005 |
St. Julien ETA 90-120 Days (6x750ML) |
$1,475.99 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 97 (4/2008): The 2005 Ducru Beaucaillou is a 10,000-case blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon and 33% Merlot (they used to produce 18,000-20,000 cases). It is an exceptionally powerful wine with a dense purple color, superb intensity, and a beautiful, sweet nose of spring flowers, raspberries, blueberries, graphite, and creme de cassis. Full-bodied with fabulous concentration, exceptionally high tannin, good acidity, and massive layers of richness that build incrementally on the palate, this monumental effort is more structured than their outstanding 2003. It may be the finest wine produced at this estate since the 1982 and 1961 Ducrus. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2050.
WS 95 (3/2008): Aromas of blackberry, currant and toasty oak, with a hint of spice, lead to a full-bodied palate, with plenty of blackberry, chocolate and Indian spices. Balanced, refined and very pretty, with a velvety texture and a long, beautifully textured finish. Best after 2013. 10,000 cases made.
VM 94 (6/2008): Good deep ruby-red. Wonderfully sweet, aromatic nose combines currant, chocolate and cedary oak. Fat, lush and silky, with atypical volume to the flavors of plum, tobacco and chocolate. Wonderfully supple, plump wine with layers of flavor, thoroughly sweet tannins and compelling aromatic persistence. Today the wine's substantial baby fat is masking its impressive underlying power. According to Borie, this 2005 combines the best traits of the chateau's 2003 and 2000. |
|
| Ch. Durfort Vivens |
2005 |
Margaux (1.5 L) Bin-Soiled Label |
$139 |
1 |
|
| |
WS 92 (3/2008): Delivers blackberry, licorice and dark chocolate character on the nose. Full and rich, with velvety tannins and a long finish. Smoky, decadent and wonderful. The best wine from this estate in a long, long time. Best after 2013. 8,330 cases made.
VM 88+ (6/2008): Good full red-ruby. High-pitched aromas of black fruits, licorice and burnt cinders; quite primary and grapey. Moderately sweet and youthful, with noteworthy concentration to the currant and licorice flavors. Not yet complex, but there's plenty of underlying structure here for aging. |
|
| Ch. de Fieuzal |
2005 |
Pessac Leognan ETA Fall 2018 (6.0 L) ex-Negociant |
$599 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 94 (6/2015): Probably the best Fieuzal I have tasted in many a year, the 2005 has a dense purple color and a gorgeous nose of charcoal, graphite, blackcurrants, cherries and earth. It is medium to full-bodied and very rich, with ripe tannin and a multidimensional mouthfeel. This is a superb wine and a great success for the château. Drink it over the next 25+ years.
NM 91 (1/2009): Tasted single blind at Southwold. This has a very succulent, slightly prune-tinged nose with baked cherries. Nice gravelly scent underneath. A dense ripe palate, grainy texture, good acidity, firm and meaty with a lovely bright earthy finish. Good length. This is a superb de Fieuzal that has developed wonderfully since barrel. Drink 2010-2022.
WS 90 (3/2008): Earthy and meaty on the nose, with lots of ripe fruit. Full-bodied, soft and round. There's loads of Pessac character, with hints of vanilla and coffee. A decadent style. Best after 2011. 8,000 cases made.
VM 88 (5/2008): Good dark red. Roasted plum and beefsteak tomato; showing the exotically ripe side of the vintage. Fat, lush and sweet, with flavors similar to the aromas. Plenty of mocha and nuts from the oak, as well as some slightly drying wood tannins on the finish. Rich but a bit lacking in energy, and probably best suited for drinking in the near to medium term. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Ch. Grand Pontet |
2005 |
St. Emilion (1.5 L) Scuffed Label |
$119 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Larose de Gruaud |
2005 |
St. Julien |
$25 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Sarget de Gruaud Larose |
2005 |
St. Julien ETA 90-120 Days (12x750ML) |
$543.99 |
2 |
|
| |
WS 85-88 (12/2006): Lots of plummy and smoky character on the nose and palate. Full-bodied, round and velvety, with good fruit and a toasted oak character, but slightly short.
NM 85 (5/2009): Tasted at the chateau. This is a little muffled on the nose with dried herbs, a touch of smoke and green leaves. Moderate definition. The Merlot is brighter and suppler than on either the 2004 or 2006, silky in texture with a svelte red cherry, strawberry and cranberry finish. Fine. |
|
| Ch. Haut Batailley |
2005 |
Pauillac ETA Fall 2018 ex-Negociant |
$71 |
24 |
|
| |
WS 93 (3/2008): Offers a beautiful nose of crushed blackberry and cherry, with hints of flowers. Full-bodied, with a lovely balance of silky, caressing tannins and ripe fruit. Very long and minerally, with mint and eucalyptus character. A wonderful wine from this estate. Best after 2014. 7,915 cases made.
WA 92 (7/2016): Tasted at a vertical tasting at the château. The 2005 Haut Batailley obviously has a more intense bouquet than the 2004 with blackberry, wild hedgerow and cold gravel scents. It is still quite tight, but there is very fine precision here. The palate is medium-bodied with supple, ripe earthy black fruit. It is actually more approachable than I was expecting for a 2005 having loosened its tie in recent years. There is great depth here and fine mineralité, completing what is a classy and sophisticated Pauillac that should repay further bottle age. Chapeau!
VM 89 (5/2008): Medium red-ruby. Ripe, smoky aromas of plum and caramel; this smells opulent! Fat and sweet in the mouth, with a slightly roasted character to the supple plum and leather flavors. In a heavier style than the 2006 but with a reasonably fine-grained texture. Finishes with dusty tannins. I find this less refined than the 2006, but there's more material and ripeness here. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2005 |
Pauillac ex-Negociant |
$79.99 |
9 |
|
| |
WS 93 (3/2008): Offers a beautiful nose of crushed blackberry and cherry, with hints of flowers. Full-bodied, with a lovely balance of silky, caressing tannins and ripe fruit. Very long and minerally, with mint and eucalyptus character. A wonderful wine from this estate. Best after 2014. 7,915 cases made.
WA 92 (7/2016): Tasted at a vertical tasting at the château. The 2005 Haut Batailley obviously has a more intense bouquet than the 2004 with blackberry, wild hedgerow and cold gravel scents. It is still quite tight, but there is very fine precision here. The palate is medium-bodied with supple, ripe earthy black fruit. It is actually more approachable than I was expecting for a 2005 having loosened its tie in recent years. There is great depth here and fine mineralité, completing what is a classy and sophisticated Pauillac that should repay further bottle age. Chapeau!
VM 89 (5/2008): Medium red-ruby. Ripe, smoky aromas of plum and caramel; this smells opulent! Fat and sweet in the mouth, with a slightly roasted character to the supple plum and leather flavors. In a heavier style than the 2006 but with a reasonably fine-grained texture. Finishes with dusty tannins. I find this less refined than the 2006, but there's more material and ripeness here. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Ch. Lafite Rothschild |
2005 |
Pauillac |
$995 |
1 |
|
| |
WS 98 (3/2008): Delivers blackberry, dried porcini, tobacco and licorice aromas. Full-bodied, with layers of velvety tannins and loads of dark chocolate, cigar box, currant, berry and mineral. The finish is long, with a coffee, almost meaty, aftertaste. Very beautiful and balanced. Best after 2013.
VM 97 (6/2008): Bright medium ruby. Knockout nose combines black- and redcurrant, minerals, graphite, licorice and lavender. Wonderfully suave and seamless, but with great purity and precision of flavor and terrific inner-palate perfume and lift. This dances over every square millimeter of the palate. Almost painfully young today, with an impression of fresh acidity serving to intensify the wine's flavors. About as austere a wine as I tasted from this vintage in April and yet it's not hard. Finishes with substantial dusty tannins and a whiplash of minerally perfume. I'd forget about this one for about 15 years.
WA 96+ (4/2008): While the 2005 is another brilliantly classic Lafite Rothschild, for my taste, it comes in slightly behind their extraordinarily opulent 2003 as well as the dramatically powerful 2000. A blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Merlot, the 2005 boasts a dark ruby/purple color in addition to that exceptional Lafite perfume of graphite, spring flowers, crushed rocks, and sweet black cherry and black currant fruit that exudes class and nobility. The wine is medium-bodied with extremely high levels of tannin in addition to sensational purity, length, and overall harmony. However, it is exceptionally backward, and even more tannic than either the 1995 or 1996. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2050+ |
|
|
2005 |
Pauillac ETA 90-120 Days (6x750ML) |
$6,117.99 |
1 |
|
| |
WS 98 (3/2008): Delivers blackberry, dried porcini, tobacco and licorice aromas. Full-bodied, with layers of velvety tannins and loads of dark chocolate, cigar box, currant, berry and mineral. The finish is long, with a coffee, almost meaty, aftertaste. Very beautiful and balanced. Best after 2013.
VM 97 (6/2008): Bright medium ruby. Knockout nose combines black- and redcurrant, minerals, graphite, licorice and lavender. Wonderfully suave and seamless, but with great purity and precision of flavor and terrific inner-palate perfume and lift. This dances over every square millimeter of the palate. Almost painfully young today, with an impression of fresh acidity serving to intensify the wine's flavors. About as austere a wine as I tasted from this vintage in April and yet it's not hard. Finishes with substantial dusty tannins and a whiplash of minerally perfume. I'd forget about this one for about 15 years.
WA 96+ (4/2008): While the 2005 is another brilliantly classic Lafite Rothschild, for my taste, it comes in slightly behind their extraordinarily opulent 2003 as well as the dramatically powerful 2000. A blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Merlot, the 2005 boasts a dark ruby/purple color in addition to that exceptional Lafite perfume of graphite, spring flowers, crushed rocks, and sweet black cherry and black currant fruit that exudes class and nobility. The wine is medium-bodied with extremely high levels of tannin in addition to sensational purity, length, and overall harmony. However, it is exceptionally backward, and even more tannic than either the 1995 or 1996. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2050+ |
|
|
2005 |
Pauillac ETA 90-120 Days (6x1.5L) |
$12,077.99 |
1 |
|
| |
WS 98 (3/2008): Delivers blackberry, dried porcini, tobacco and licorice aromas. Full-bodied, with layers of velvety tannins and loads of dark chocolate, cigar box, currant, berry and mineral. The finish is long, with a coffee, almost meaty, aftertaste. Very beautiful and balanced. Best after 2013.
VM 97 (6/2008): Bright medium ruby. Knockout nose combines black- and redcurrant, minerals, graphite, licorice and lavender. Wonderfully suave and seamless, but with great purity and precision of flavor and terrific inner-palate perfume and lift. This dances over every square millimeter of the palate. Almost painfully young today, with an impression of fresh acidity serving to intensify the wine's flavors. About as austere a wine as I tasted from this vintage in April and yet it's not hard. Finishes with substantial dusty tannins and a whiplash of minerally perfume. I'd forget about this one for about 15 years.
WA 96+ (4/2008): While the 2005 is another brilliantly classic Lafite Rothschild, for my taste, it comes in slightly behind their extraordinarily opulent 2003 as well as the dramatically powerful 2000. A blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Merlot, the 2005 boasts a dark ruby/purple color in addition to that exceptional Lafite perfume of graphite, spring flowers, crushed rocks, and sweet black cherry and black currant fruit that exudes class and nobility. The wine is medium-bodied with extremely high levels of tannin in addition to sensational purity, length, and overall harmony. However, it is exceptionally backward, and even more tannic than either the 1995 or 1996. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2050+ |
|
| Ch. Lafleur |
2005 |
Pomerol ETA 90-120 Days (6x750ML) |
$11,207.99 |
2 |
|
| |
WS 100 (3/2008): Exhibits a complex nose of crushed blackberry, dried flowers and dark chocolate. Full-bodied, with a rich, powerful palate. Tannic and muscular, with great length. Superracy. Builds and goes and goes. So fine and beautiful. Mythic. Best after 2017.
JS 100 (4/2011): The nose on this wine is classic. Floral notes of lilacs and violets, citrus fruits, raspberries, and blackberries. On the palate this is full bodied, with incredible power and density. A very impressive silky texture underneath the intense fruit flavors that gives way to an excitingly long, long finish. It’s hard to believe the classic structure in this. Impeccable balance. Don’t touch this for 10 years. Find the wine.
NM 98 (7/2012): Tasted at John Armit’s Lafleur seminar in London, the 2005 is a legendary wine in the making. It has a boisterous, ebullient, ravishing bouquet of succulent black, truffle infused fruit with hints of crushed stone, the bell pepper element less evident on this occasion. The palate is medium-bodied and tightly wound, perhaps less expressive than other bottles that I have encountered. You could argue that it has an almost understated entry, but then you realize that there is a core of extraordinarily concentrated dark black fruit that is waiting for you. It has wonderful minerality towards the finish and extremely fine focus and persistency. At the moment, a Lafleur of dimension and ambition rather than pleasure, which will come. Drink 2018-2035+.
WA 95+ (4/2008): The 2005 Lafleur is tight and austere at present, but unquestionably enormously endowed. It displays a dense ruby/purple hue as well as a beautiful bouquet that only emerges with coaxing. Aeration is essential in order to release the subtle, restrained scents of licorice, kirsch liqueur, black truffles, and flowers. In the mouth, there is compelling richness, depth, and intensity, but the wine’s power, full body, forbiddingly backward style, and high tannins suggest significant cellaring will be required. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2050.
VM 95 (6/2008): Saturated, bright ruby-red. Brooding, liqueur-like aromas of blackberry, cassis, smoked meat, licorice and menthol. Compellingly dense, sweet and concentrated, with silky fruit that saturates the entire palate without any excess weight. A very backward, firmly structured wine that offers an uncanny combination of early sweetness and firm but harmonious acidity. The wine's dark fruit and licorice flavors spread out impressively on the back end, which features huge but smooth tannins and terrific length and verve. Wow! This will be long-lived. |
|
| Ch. Lanessan |
2005 |
Haut Medoc ETA 90-120 Days (12x750ML) |
$398.99 |
4 |
|
| |
WA 90 (4/2008): Shrewd Bordeaux buyers have long followed this excellent Medoc estate, whose wine can easily be confused with a St.-Julien or Pauillac. The 2005 is an undeniable sleeper of the vintage. Dark plum/purple-tinged with a beautiful nose of new saddle leather, spice box, black currants, and a hint of unsmoked cigar tobacco, it offers medium body, admirable richness, decent acidity, and ripe tannin. Although it will be drinkable in 4-5 years, these wines have an excellent track record of evolving for two decades or more.
WS 86 (3/2008): Delicate, with blackberry and plum aromas. Medium-bodied, with medium tannins and a medium finish. Lacks a bit in the midpalate, but offers good quality. Best after 2009. 16,665 cases made. |
|
| Ch. Lascombes |
2005 |
Margaux |
$87 |
1 |
|
| |
WS 93 (3/2008): Dark in color, with an impressive nose of licorice, toasty oak, chocolate and blackberry. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, caressing finish. Very pretty and structured. Best after 2012. 25,000 cases made.
NM 90 (2/2015): The Château Lascombes 2005 has one of the most extravagant bouquet from the Margaux appellation with copious red berry fruit, candied orange peel. marmalade and cedar scents that burst from the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with soft tannin, a little more advanced than its peers with a slight dryness appearing towards the finish. I would have liked just a little more focus and cohesion here, though it can still boast impressive length.
WA 88+ (6/2015): Spicy oak, earth and cedar wood jump from the glass of this fruity, medium-bodied wine. It is not showing quite the density I would have expected, but it is still well-endowed and more evolved than some of the top efforts from the Margaux appellation. It has a dark, ruby/plum color, a slightly narrow finish, and less intensity than I remember. For whatever reason, this didn’t jump out of the horizontal tasting of the appellation of Margaux in 2005. Moreover, I loved this wine from barrel and post-bottling. |
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|
2005 |
Margaux ETA 90-120 Days (12x750ML) |
$1,426.99 |
1 |
|
| |
WS 93 (3/2008): Dark in color, with an impressive nose of licorice, toasty oak, chocolate and blackberry. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, caressing finish. Very pretty and structured. Best after 2012. 25,000 cases made.
NM 90 (2/2015): The Château Lascombes 2005 has one of the most extravagant bouquet from the Margaux appellation with copious red berry fruit, candied orange peel. marmalade and cedar scents that burst from the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with soft tannin, a little more advanced than its peers with a slight dryness appearing towards the finish. I would have liked just a little more focus and cohesion here, though it can still boast impressive length.
WA 88+ (6/2015): Spicy oak, earth and cedar wood jump from the glass of this fruity, medium-bodied wine. It is not showing quite the density I would have expected, but it is still well-endowed and more evolved than some of the top efforts from the Margaux appellation. It has a dark, ruby/plum color, a slightly narrow finish, and less intensity than I remember. For whatever reason, this didn’t jump out of the horizontal tasting of the appellation of Margaux in 2005. Moreover, I loved this wine from barrel and post-bottling. |
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| Ch. Latour |
2005 |
Pauillac ETA 90-120 Days (6x1.5L) |
$10,419.99 |
1 |
|
| |
JS 100 (3/2011): A very complex nose of lavender, currants, spices, and hot stones. Full and dense on the palate, with a very tight structure. The tannins have a perfect polish to their density, and the finish is very intense, with wonderful fruit and truffle character. This turns almost decadent, with tremendous energy and a constantly changing profile. This is a very challenging wine to get to know, please leave this for at least ten years. Pull the cork in 2015.
WS 99 (3/2008): Dark ruby black in color. Brilliant, intense aromas of mineral, blackberry and currant, with hints of Indian spices and cigar box, lead to a full-bodied palate, with ultrafine tannins and a beautiful balance of blackberry, raspberry and mineral. There's subtlety, yet also great depth. Lasts for minutes on the palate. This is a Latour with fabulous tone and vigor. Best after 2018. 12,500 cases made.
VM 98 (6/2008): Deep ruby-red. Reticent, brooding aromas of cassis, black plum, graphite and flowers. Then utterly explosive in the mouth, with wonderful sappy complexity of flavor and a thickness of texture that builds and builds toward the back; almost no sign of the new oak here. Offers a near-magical combination of power and refinement, but this extremely primary wine is still an infant. Finishes with extraordinary persistence that leaves the palate vibrating. One of the greatest young Bordeaux I've tasted in recent years, and more complete and classic than the outrageously lush 2003. For his part, Engerer feels that this wine combines the best traits of the 2003 and 2000 Latours. I made the mistake of retasting the 2007 after trying this, and the tannins of the younger wine came off as dry by comparison. Stephen Tanzer.
WA 98 (6/2015): The 2005 Latour (87% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot and Petit Verdot) is a spectacular effort from Château Latour. It has an inky plum/purple color and a gorgeous nose of graphite, crème de cassis, and floral notes with some forest floor in the background. It is full-bodied, super-concentrated, and for my taste, probably one of the two or three most intense, rich, and complex wines of the entire Médoc. The wine has great texture, purity and a finish of close to 40 or 45 seconds. The tannins are surprisingly sweet, even in this large-scaled, masculine wine. Drink it over the next 50+ years.
NM 98 (2/2015): The Château Latour 2005 has an outgoing and ebullient bouquet with blackberries, wild strawberry, minerals and wilted rose petals. It has great intensity and authority, a bouquet that is polished but not over-buffed. The palate is full-bodied with a silky smooth entry. The acidity is beautifully judged, layers of small red cherries, raspberry and cedar, with graphite revealed towards the long and persistent finish with startling architecture. Outstanding. |
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| Ch. Leoville Poyferre |
2005 |
St. Julien ETA Fall 2018 ex-Negociant |
$139 |
12 |
|
| |
WA 93 (4/2008): Although I still prefer the 2003, the 2005 Leoville Poyferre is a gorgeously opulent, approachable wine that is far less massive and austere than its two siblings. The most seductive, approachable, and charming of the three Leovilles, it exhibits a dense purple color as well as a sweet bouquet of mocha, black chocolate, creme de cassis, licorice, and toasty oak. Full-bodied with gorgeous upfront fruit in addition to impressive levels of melted, well-integrated tannin, it should be at its finest between 2015-2035.
VM 93 (6/2008): Saturated ruby-red. Deeply pitched aromas of black cherry, currant and coffee. Sweet, silky and full, but with lovely ripe acidity to frame the dense black fruit, mocha and mineral flavors. Showing a glossy aspect to its fruit that is exhilarating, even if this deep, fairly tannic wine is a bit sullen at present, despite showing excellent back-end breadth. This is a full 13.5% alcohol; the petit verdot component reached 14.5% potential alcohol in 2005, said Cuvelier, who describes 2005 as "a year of sun but not surmaturite.
WS 92 (3/2008): Dark ruby red in color, with aromas of currant, blackberry, toasty oak and light cappuccino. Full-bodied, with ultrafine tannins and a beautiful, caressing aftertaste. Touches every part of the palate. Outstanding, but slightly disappointing after such a great showing from barrel. Best after 2009. 18,915 cases made. |
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| Ch. Lynch Bages |
2005 |
Pauillac (375 ML) ex-Chateau |
$100 |
7 |
|
| |
JS 96 (5/2013): This is very dense and tight right now with firm tannins. Currants with cassis, plums and peach. Full and dense, not giving that much. Powerful and intense and structured. It needs at least another five years.
WA 92 (6/2016): As for the 2005 Lynch-Bages, it is a sexy, surprisingly soft and accessible style of wine, with a deep ruby/purple color, loads of crème de cassis, cedar wood and forest floor notes, medium to full body, ripe tannin and a long, fleshy finish. Drink it over the next 15+ years.
NM 94 (2/2015): The Château Lynch Bages 2005 has an enthralling graphite and cedar scented bouquet, like a young cousin of the Grand Puy Lacoste. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, one of the most feminine and elegant Lynch Bages in recent years with a lightness of touch on the finish. That is not to say it lacks fruit intensity, but the balance is so assured that is just seems to glide over the mouth. Stylish, assured and meticulous winemaking here.
VM 93+ (1/2012): (72% cabernet sauvignon, 15% merlot, 12% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot; 3.67 pH; 70 IPT; 13.4% alcohol): Deep ruby. Delicate aromas of blackcurrant, mocha and graphite are lifted by minerals and violet. Enters pure, dense and round, then shows lively, precise flavors of black fruits, dried nuts, ink and minerals. This has greater volume and flesh than the 2006, along with a brooding, sneaky concentration and a very long, supple finish. The best Lynch-Bages in years, this should prove to be a great wine in time, and a huge success for this estate. Ian d'Agata.
WS 93 (3/2008): Displays very beautiful aromas of crushed blackberry and dark chocolate, with a hint of coffee. Full-bodied, with a tightly wound palate of ripe tannins. Long and caressing. Best after 2015. 35,000 cases made. |
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|
2005 |
Pauillac ETA Fall 2018 ex-Negociant |
$189 |
24 |
|
| |
JS 96 (5/2013): This is very dense and tight right now with firm tannins. Currants with cassis, plums and peach. Full and dense, not giving that much. Powerful and intense and structured. It needs at least another five years.
WA 92 (6/2016): As for the 2005 Lynch-Bages, it is a sexy, surprisingly soft and accessible style of wine, with a deep ruby/purple color, loads of crème de cassis, cedar wood and forest floor notes, medium to full body, ripe tannin and a long, fleshy finish. Drink it over the next 15+ years.
NM 94 (2/2015): The Château Lynch Bages 2005 has an enthralling graphite and cedar scented bouquet, like a young cousin of the Grand Puy Lacoste. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, one of the most feminine and elegant Lynch Bages in recent years with a lightness of touch on the finish. That is not to say it lacks fruit intensity, but the balance is so assured that is just seems to glide over the mouth. Stylish, assured and meticulous winemaking here.
VM 93+ (1/2012): (72% cabernet sauvignon, 15% merlot, 12% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot; 3.67 pH; 70 IPT; 13.4% alcohol): Deep ruby. Delicate aromas of blackcurrant, mocha and graphite are lifted by minerals and violet. Enters pure, dense and round, then shows lively, precise flavors of black fruits, dried nuts, ink and minerals. This has greater volume and flesh than the 2006, along with a brooding, sneaky concentration and a very long, supple finish. The best Lynch-Bages in years, this should prove to be a great wine in time, and a huge success for this estate. Ian d'Agata.
WS 93 (3/2008): Displays very beautiful aromas of crushed blackberry and dark chocolate, with a hint of coffee. Full-bodied, with a tightly wound palate of ripe tannins. Long and caressing. Best after 2015. 35,000 cases made. |
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|
2005 |
Pauillac ETA Fall 2018 (1.5 L) ex-Negociant |
$450 |
3 |
|
| |
JS 96 (5/2013): This is very dense and tight right now with firm tannins. Currants with cassis, plums and peach. Full and dense, not giving that much. Powerful and intense and structured. It needs at least another five years.
WA 92 (6/2016): As for the 2005 Lynch-Bages, it is a sexy, surprisingly soft and accessible style of wine, with a deep ruby/purple color, loads of crème de cassis, cedar wood and forest floor notes, medium to full body, ripe tannin and a long, fleshy finish. Drink it over the next 15+ years.
NM 94 (2/2015): The Château Lynch Bages 2005 has an enthralling graphite and cedar scented bouquet, like a young cousin of the Grand Puy Lacoste. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, one of the most feminine and elegant Lynch Bages in recent years with a lightness of touch on the finish. That is not to say it lacks fruit intensity, but the balance is so assured that is just seems to glide over the mouth. Stylish, assured and meticulous winemaking here.
VM 93+ (1/2012): (72% cabernet sauvignon, 15% merlot, 12% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot; 3.67 pH; 70 IPT; 13.4% alcohol): Deep ruby. Delicate aromas of blackcurrant, mocha and graphite are lifted by minerals and violet. Enters pure, dense and round, then shows lively, precise flavors of black fruits, dried nuts, ink and minerals. This has greater volume and flesh than the 2006, along with a brooding, sneaky concentration and a very long, supple finish. The best Lynch-Bages in years, this should prove to be a great wine in time, and a huge success for this estate. Ian d'Agata.
WS 93 (3/2008): Displays very beautiful aromas of crushed blackberry and dark chocolate, with a hint of coffee. Full-bodied, with a tightly wound palate of ripe tannins. Long and caressing. Best after 2015. 35,000 cases made. |
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| Clos du Marquis |
2005 |
St. Julien ex-Negociant |
$83.99 |
24 |
|
| |
WS 93 (3/2008): Fabulous aromas of crushed raspberry, blackberry, mineral and licorice follow through to a full-bodied palate. This is chewy yet silky, with a long, long finish. Balanced and powerful. Best after 2012. 20,000 cases made.
WA 91 (4/2008): The superb second wine, the 2005 Clos du Marquis, reflects the utter brilliance of the 2005 grand vin. It boasts an inky/ruby/purple color along with a sweet perfume of lead pencil, ripe cherries and black currants, and hints of earth and vanillin. Dense, chewy, fleshy, and full-bodied, this beauty will be drinkable in 3-4 years, and should keep for 15-20.
VM 90 (6/2008): Good full red-ruby. Superripe aromas of plum, mocha, coffee and spicy oak. Big, dry, broad and rich, with a chewy quality and noteworthy sweetness to the plummy flavor. This has more baby fat than the young 2006 but not quite as much detail or verve. Finishes quite broad, with major ripe tannins and lingering sweet fruit. |
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| Ch. Marquis de Terme |
2005 |
Margaux ETA 90-120 Days (12x750ML) |
$675.99 |
1 |
|
| |
NM 90 (5/2010): Tasted at “Texture" restaurant in London with Ludovic David. A blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot, a better showing than in Southwold. It still has that ripe, sappy nose with blackberry, cedar and more developed cigar box aromas. Sweet entry, supple and feminine with a soft but well poised finish that still lacks a little personality that one hopes will evolve with time. It does open up in the glass, so give this more time. Drink 2012-2020.
WA 88 (4/2008): Herbal, underbrush notes intermixed with sweet cherry, cassis, and saddle leather characteristics are apparent in this medium-bodied 2005. Displaying rugged tannins, plenty of extract, and a rustic style, it should be at its finest between 2014-2025. |
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| Ch. Maucaillou |
2005 |
Moulis ETA 90-120 Days (12x750ML) |
$560.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. La Mission Haut Brion |
2005 |
Pessac Leognan |
$525 |
1 |
|
| |
NM 99 (11/2013): Tasted at Farr Vintner's La Mission dinner. The 2005 Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion is a stellar wine that is not for my generation but the next (and I ain't that old). It has a very expressive bouquet, the Merlot exceptionally animated and vibrant, manifesting scents of dark plum, blackcurrant, hints of leather and warm gravel lurking just behind. Returning to my glass after a couple of hours the bouquet is even more complex with lovely mint and juniper berries joining the chorus line. The palate is structured, as is typical of the 2005s, with a fine line of acidity, layers of black fruit, mint and tobacco. It fans out wonderfully on the finish. Stunning - but it deserves another decade in the cellar. Drink 2022-2060.
JS 95 (5/2012): This shows a beautiful balance between concentration and ripeness. The wine is full-bodied, showing fine and rich tannins with tons going on. This is long and beautiful. I remember this being more muscular, but nevertheless this has taken on a wonderful finesse and richness. Pull the cork after 2020.
WA 97 (4/2008): There are slightly more than 5,000 cases of the 2005 La Mission-Haut-Brion, a blend of 69% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and a touch of Cabernet Franc. While there is little difference between La Mission and Haut-Brion’s terroirs (their vineyards are only separated by a two-lane road), La Mission possesses more fat, texture, and intensity. An enormously endowed wine with huge tannin and structure, the 2005 offers a quintessential Graves bouquet of burning embers, charcoal, blackberries, truffles, black currants, and a meaty character. Reminiscent of the 1989, with more structure as well as a longer window of drinkability, the 2005 may be a modern day, improved version of a vintage such as 1955, which was well-endowed, very tannic, and took a long time to come around. While fabulously full-bodied and unctuous, the 2005 will not provide much charm in its youth. It needs 8-10 years of cellaring, and should age effortlessly for 30-40 years.
WS 97 (3/2008): The Indian spices and blackberry on the nose are so enticing and inspiring, leading to a full-bodied palate, with very polished tannins that caress. Goes on and on as this builds on the palate, with a mineral and berry aftertaste. For long-term aging. Best after 2015. 5,665 cases made.
VM 94+ (6/2008): Deep ruby-red. Black raspberry and licorice on the nose. Dense and sweet but youthfully tight; a serious young wine with terrific verve and the acid/tannin backbone to support a long and glorious evolution in bottle. Very long on the back end, with mouth-saturating fruit and tannins. Like La Chapelle-and in direct contrast to Bahans and Haut-Brion-this is quite backward today, and almost certain to merit a higher rating in the future. |
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|
2005 |
Pessac Leognan |
$575 |
2 |
|
| |
NM 99 (11/2013): Tasted at Farr Vintner's La Mission dinner. The 2005 Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion is a stellar wine that is not for my generation but the next (and I ain't that old). It has a very expressive bouquet, the Merlot exceptionally animated and vibrant, manifesting scents of dark plum, blackcurrant, hints of leather and warm gravel lurking just behind. Returning to my glass after a couple of hours the bouquet is even more complex with lovely mint and juniper berries joining the chorus line. The palate is structured, as is typical of the 2005s, with a fine line of acidity, layers of black fruit, mint and tobacco. It fans out wonderfully on the finish. Stunning - but it deserves another decade in the cellar. Drink 2022-2060.
JS 95 (5/2012): This shows a beautiful balance between concentration and ripeness. The wine is full-bodied, showing fine and rich tannins with tons going on. This is long and beautiful. I remember this being more muscular, but nevertheless this has taken on a wonderful finesse and richness. Pull the cork after 2020.
WA 97 (4/2008): There are slightly more than 5,000 cases of the 2005 La Mission-Haut-Brion, a blend of 69% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and a touch of Cabernet Franc. While there is little difference between La Mission and Haut-Brion’s terroirs (their vineyards are only separated by a two-lane road), La Mission possesses more fat, texture, and intensity. An enormously endowed wine with huge tannin and structure, the 2005 offers a quintessential Graves bouquet of burning embers, charcoal, blackberries, truffles, black currants, and a meaty character. Reminiscent of the 1989, with more structure as well as a longer window of drinkability, the 2005 may be a modern day, improved version of a vintage such as 1955, which was well-endowed, very tannic, and took a long time to come around. While fabulously full-bodied and unctuous, the 2005 will not provide much charm in its youth. It needs 8-10 years of cellaring, and should age effortlessly for 30-40 years.
WS 97 (3/2008): The Indian spices and blackberry on the nose are so enticing and inspiring, leading to a full-bodied palate, with very polished tannins that caress. Goes on and on as this builds on the palate, with a mineral and berry aftertaste. For long-term aging. Best after 2015. 5,665 cases made.
VM 94+ (6/2008): Deep ruby-red. Black raspberry and licorice on the nose. Dense and sweet but youthfully tight; a serious young wine with terrific verve and the acid/tannin backbone to support a long and glorious evolution in bottle. Very long on the back end, with mouth-saturating fruit and tannins. Like La Chapelle-and in direct contrast to Bahans and Haut-Brion-this is quite backward today, and almost certain to merit a higher rating in the future. |
|
|
2005 |
Pessac Leognan ETA 90-120 Days (6x750ML) |
$3,634.99 |
1 |
|
| |
NM 99 (11/2013): Tasted at Farr Vintner's La Mission dinner. The 2005 Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion is a stellar wine that is not for my generation but the next (and I ain't that old). It has a very expressive bouquet, the Merlot exceptionally animated and vibrant, manifesting scents of dark plum, blackcurrant, hints of leather and warm gravel lurking just behind. Returning to my glass after a couple of hours the bouquet is even more complex with lovely mint and juniper berries joining the chorus line. The palate is structured, as is typical of the 2005s, with a fine line of acidity, layers of black fruit, mint and tobacco. It fans out wonderfully on the finish. Stunning - but it deserves another decade in the cellar. Drink 2022-2060.
JS 95 (5/2012): This shows a beautiful balance between concentration and ripeness. The wine is full-bodied, showing fine and rich tannins with tons going on. This is long and beautiful. I remember this being more muscular, but nevertheless this has taken on a wonderful finesse and richness. Pull the cork after 2020.
WA 97 (4/2008): There are slightly more than 5,000 cases of the 2005 La Mission-Haut-Brion, a blend of 69% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and a touch of Cabernet Franc. While there is little difference between La Mission and Haut-Brion’s terroirs (their vineyards are only separated by a two-lane road), La Mission possesses more fat, texture, and intensity. An enormously endowed wine with huge tannin and structure, the 2005 offers a quintessential Graves bouquet of burning embers, charcoal, blackberries, truffles, black currants, and a meaty character. Reminiscent of the 1989, with more structure as well as a longer window of drinkability, the 2005 may be a modern day, improved version of a vintage such as 1955, which was well-endowed, very tannic, and took a long time to come around. While fabulously full-bodied and unctuous, the 2005 will not provide much charm in its youth. It needs 8-10 years of cellaring, and should age effortlessly for 30-40 years.
WS 97 (3/2008): The Indian spices and blackberry on the nose are so enticing and inspiring, leading to a full-bodied palate, with very polished tannins that caress. Goes on and on as this builds on the palate, with a mineral and berry aftertaste. For long-term aging. Best after 2015. 5,665 cases made.
VM 94+ (6/2008): Deep ruby-red. Black raspberry and licorice on the nose. Dense and sweet but youthfully tight; a serious young wine with terrific verve and the acid/tannin backbone to support a long and glorious evolution in bottle. Very long on the back end, with mouth-saturating fruit and tannins. Like La Chapelle-and in direct contrast to Bahans and Haut-Brion-this is quite backward today, and almost certain to merit a higher rating in the future. |
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| Ch. Pichon-Longueville Baron |
2005 |
Pauillac (1.5 L) ex-Negociant |
$359.99 |
7 |
|
| |
JD 96 (12/2017): The 2005 Pichon-Longueville Baron is another concentrated, full-bodied 2005 that’s starting to drink well. Cassis, black cherries, tobacco leaf, cedar and classic Pauillac lead-pencil characteristics all emerge from this ripe, sexy, surprisingly rounded effort that has a stacked mid-palate and sweet, polished tannin. It’s impressive today but is going to cruise for another two to three decades.
VM 94+ (6/2008): Dark red-ruby. Multidimensional nose offers deep aromas of currant, cedar, coffee, tobacco and minerals. The palate offers a rare combination of sweetness, energy and depth, with superb grip and a layered texture to the flavors of plum, cedar, tobacco and minerals. The finish features sweet, noble tannins and outstanding length. I find this more complete and ultimately more exciting than the 2003, but this will need at least a decade of cellaring.
Stephen Tanzer.
WS 94 (3/2008): Offers crushed currant and blackberry on the nose, turning to tar and licorice. Full-bodied, with a solid core of ripe fruit and seamless tannins. Goes on and on. Very, very beautiful. A cross between the 2000 and fabulous 2003. Best after 2013. 20,000 cases made.
NM 94 (2/2015): The Château Pichon-Baron 2005 has a not dissimilar bouquet to the Pichon-Lalande with bright red and black fruit infused with cedar and violets, almost Margaux-like in character. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannin: more masculine than Pichon-Lalande, you could almost say more rustic. Yet there is immense length and persistence here, real depth and vigour on the muscular finish. Yet I might just prefer the property over the road in this vintage.
WA 93 (6/2015): The 2005 Pichon Baron has a dense ruby/purple color, sweet crème de cassis fruit, lots of cedar wood and forest floor, medium to full body, ripe tannin, and a long finish of a good 30+ seconds. This is a beauty and one of the most successful Pauillacs of this vintage. Drink it now through 2035. |
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| Ch. Pichon-Longueville Lalande |
2005 |
Pauillac ETA 90-120 Days (12x750ML) |
$1,872.99 |
2 |
|
| |
NM 95 (2/2015): The Château Pichon-Lalande 2005 that was so divisive at birth but as I expected right from the beginning, this is maturing into a lovely Pauillac. It offers compelling tobacco and graphite scents on the nose, belying the Merlot content of this blend, reserved at first but opening gloriously in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannin and well-judged acidity. There is an effortlessness quality about this Pichon-Lalande. ‘tis not the most powerful or decadent Pauillac but its is very sophisticated and refined.
WS 93 (3/2008): Beautiful currant, berry and licorice aromas follow through to a full body, with tar and berry character, fine tannins and a long finish. I was expecting a little more from this, but it's still outstanding. Best after 2013.
JS 93 (10/2012): What a nose on this, with orchids and currants, this is very perfumed and pretty. Full-bodied, with bright and lively acidity. Rose petals and citrus fruit on the palate give way to a long and intense finish.
VM 90 (6/2008): Good full red-ruby. Very ripe, musky aromas of black plum, currant, menthol, dark chocolate, mocha and meat; less pristine than the 2006 but rather youthfully subdued today. Then lush and fat but not overly sweet in the mouth, with a nice balance between ripe fruit and harmonious acidity. A full, broad wine that builds slowly and lingers on the back end, which features substantial but ripe, round tannins. Can't quite match the young 2006 for vitality, but this is distinctly more exotic, in the style of the year.
WA 89 (6/2015): The 2005 Pichon Lalande, with its aromatics of cassis, forest floor and earth are followed by a medium-bodied wine that doesn’t have quite the length and richness the aromatics suggest. Nevertheless, it is medium-bodied, elegant, and pure, and a classic example for this château. Drink it now as well as over the next 15 or so years. It is showing better than my earlier notes suggest. |
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| Le Pin |
2005 |
Pomerol ETA 90-120 Days (3x1.5L) |
$22,698.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. Poujeaux |
2005 |
Moulis |
$43.99 |
5 |
|
| |
NM 90 (7/2011): Tasted at BBR’s 2005/2009 tasting in London. The Poujeaux ’05 has a classic bouquet with graphite and tobacco with good precision and mineralite, growing in intensity in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with a tertiary entry, quite powdery in texture with fine, grippy tannins leading to a foursquare, robust finish. Come back in five or six years.
WA 89 (4/2008): This deep ruby/purple-tinged sleeper of the vintage exhibits fresh, lively minerality intermixed with delicate background wood, sweet raspberry fruit, medium to full body, zesty acidity, and ripe tannin. Usually the top wine from Moulis, Poujeaux’s 2005 is again a fairly priced, impressive effort. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025. |
|
| Ch. Rauzan-Segla |
2005 |
Margaux ETA Fall 2018 (375 ML) ex-Negociant |
$69.99 |
24 |
|
| |
JS 97 (5/2012): This is a fabulous wine. A very giving wine with an amazing nose of currants, strawberries and flowers. This is a gorgeous wine. Full and powerful, with chewy and ripe tannins and a long, long finish. A serious, structured wine that still needs some time in the bottle. Don’t touch this for another five or six years. Pull the cork after 2016.
WS 97 (3/2008): Very beautiful aromas of crushed berry, flowers, currant and Indian spices follow through to a full body, with ultrafine tannins and a long, long finish. Extremely polished and beautiful, with a seamless texture. Best after 2014. 10,000 cases made.
NM 95 (1/2009): Tasted single blind at Southwold. After a couple of vexing showing out of barrel, this Rauzan-Segla is finally proving its mettle and I happily upgrade my score. Tasted blind, it shines amongst its peers with a well defined nose: blackberry, crushed stones and a touch of oyster shell. Great clarity. This is very well balanced on the palate, nice acidity, fresh, tannic backbone and really great focus. Sophisticated from start to finish. It has beautifully interwoven oak. This will be a great Rauzan-Segla but as always it needs patient cellaring. Drink 2015-2030+ WA 93+ (6/2015): The 2005 Rauzan-Segla displays notes of bay leaf, blackcurrants, earth and spice. It has a very youthful, dense ruby/plum/purple color, a medium to full body, with tannins still present and a nice, spicy aftertaste. The wine is firm and still somewhat adolescent. Give it another 3-4 years, and drink it over the following 15-20.
VM 92 (6/2008): Good full red-ruby. Inviting, expressive aromas of plum, redcurrant, mocha, coffee, game, flowers and nutty oak. Sweet, fat and stuffed with fruit; quite silky in texture but a bit less refined than the 2006 in spite of its greater richness. Fairly full wine, finishing with lovely lingering perfume as well as slightly edgy tannins that will require a decade of cellaring. |
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| Clos St. Martin |
2005 |
St. Emilion Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$159 |
2 |
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WA 98 (4/2008): St.-Emilion’s smallest vineyard produces so little wine (600 or so cases) that it is virtually impossible to find. This beautiful site (somewhat ghoulishly situated adjacent to St.-Emilion’s cemetery) produces what I have often called the “Lafleur of St.-Emilion." Classic notes of crushed rocks, spring flowers, kirsch, and even blacker fruits along with stunning nobility, complexity, and precision emerge from this beauty. The extraordinary 2005 possesses fabulous concentration, terrific texture, length, and depth, and huge tannins, so it requires at least a decade of bottle age. It is one of the vintage’s most compelling efforts. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2040.
WS 91 (12/2008): Beautiful crushed berry, spice and raspberry tart character follows through to a full body, with silky tannins and a long, caressing finish. A pretty wine. Best after 2013.
VM 88-91 (6/2007): Ruby-red. Exotic aromas of berry liqueur, coffee and mocha. Supple and lush but with harmonious acidity giving shape to the flavors of black raspberry and chocolate. A plush, seamless wine with nicely restrained sweetness. Finishes with substantial granular tannins. (My sample of the 2006 was tart and dry, and may not have been representative.) |
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| Ch. Troplong Mondot |
2005 |
St. Emilion ETA 90-120 Days (12x750ML) |
$3,154.99 |
1 |
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WA 99 (4/2008): This estate was justifiably elevated to a Premier Grand Cru Classe in the new St.-Emilion classification thanks to the exceptional efforts of proprietress Christine Valette over the last two decades. The 2005 is one of the monumental wines of the vintage, and may eclipse their prodigious 1990. Inky/blue/purple-colored with an exceptional bouquet of Asian spices, blueberries, blackberries, truffles, cold steel, graphite, and charcoal, it hits the palate with exceptional purity, laser-like precision, a compellingly concentrated, multilayered mouthfeel, a broad, savory texture, terrific acidity, and substantial, but sweet tannins. It lives up to everything it revealed in barrel, and appears set to live for a half century or more. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2050.
VM 96 (6/2008): Full ruby-red. Spectacularly ripe nose offers plum jam, minerals, licorice, mocha and a whiff of game, all lifted by exotic flowers. Explosively ripe and sweet in the mouth, with uncanny fullness and depth to the flavors of raspberry, smoke and milk chocolate. A blockbuster of a wine with a three-dimensional texture and outstanding weight but with almost magically ripe acidity giving great precision to the flavors and drawing out the finish. Incredible melting tannins saturate the palate and front teeth. Wonderfully suave wine, the best I've ever tasted from this chateau.
WS 96 (3/2008): Exhibits aromas of coffee, ripe fruit, wild mushroom and blackberry. Dark and very complex. Full-bodied and chewy, yet velvety and beautiful, with intense flavors of blackberry, chocolate and tobacco. Very, very long This is layered and gorgeous. Best after 2016. 6,250 cases made. |
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