“From one of my favorite lower pedigree estates, this blend of 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 3% Malbec is produced by consulting winemaker, Stephane Derenoncourt. Beautifully etched with a deep purple color as well as a sweet perfume of mocha, vanilla, and black cherry jam, fresh acidity, super texture, and a heady finish (13.5% natural alcohol), it should be consumed during its first 5-7 years of life.” —WA 88-90, PJ 91

“Although it is produced from a separate vineyard, Balthus is in essence the special cuvee of Chateau de Reignac. Cropped at 15 hectoliters per hectare, both its alcoholic and malolactic fermentations take place in small barrels (an unusual as well as labor intensive technique), and the wine is aged on its lees before being bottled unfiltered. The blockbuster 2005 boasts an inky/purple color, 14.5% natural alcohol, and a huge, charcoal-infused nose revealing notions of graphite, melted chocolate, espresso, and creme de cassis. This is a terrific example of what can be achieved by a conscientious proprietor using artisanal techniques and treating the vineyard like a precious jewel.” —WA 92-94

“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.” —WA 91-93

“The Cotes de Castillon offering from perfectionists Chantal and Gerard Perse, the 2005 Clos des Lunelles, fashioned from yields of 20 hectoliters per hectare, is a candidate for the reference point wine of the appellation. Inky/blue/purple-colored with stunning aromas of spring flowers, sweet cherries, black currants, crushed rocks, and new oak, it possesses fabulous fruit, remarkable intensity and texture, full body, and a huge, moderately tannic finish.” —WA 91-94

“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.” —WA 90-92, PJ 92+

“Owned by Stephan von Neipperg, this sensational Cotes de Castillon exhibits a dense purple color as well as a gorgeously sweet bouquet of melted chocolate, blackberries, cassis, and cherries. A blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, it is an opulent, rich effort to enjoy during its first 10-12 years of life.” —WA 89-91 PJ 92

Yet another 2005 Côtes de Castillon standout, the Ste-Colombe features fragrant plum and dark berry notes accented with coffee nuances. On the palate it is bright and medium-bodied with fine tannins and a pleasingly soft finish. A tremendous value. PJ 89+

“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.” —WA 89-90

“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.” —WA 89-91

“Blackberry, violet and raspberry aromas. Full-bodied, with lots of fruit. Long and powerful. Complex and excellent.” —WS 89-91

Medium ruby. Aromas of blackberry, kirsch, minerals, espresso and mocha, all lifted by sweet oak. Lush, suave and lively, with nicely integrated acids giving this sweet, pliant wine good balance and vivacity. Finishes ripely tannic and quite long, with finishing notes of blackberry and licorice. A very classy vintage for this chateau, with no rough edges.” —IWC 88-91

“This is a wonderful Fronsac with blackberry and licorice character. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, caressing finish. Classy for this appellation.” —WS 89-91, PJ 89+

“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.” —WS 89-91

“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.” —WA 89-91

“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.” —WA 88-89

“Crushed blackberries and currants on the nose follow through to a full-bodied palate, with medium tannins and a medium finish. Best in years from here.” —WS 89-91

“Starting in 2005, the luxury cuvee, Karolus, will no longer be made as the proprietors believe they have raised the level of Senejac to that of a luxury wine. The 10,000-case 2005, made by well-known oenologist, Jacques Boissenot (a disciple of the late Emile Peynaud), is the finest I have yet tasted. Its saturated ruby/purple color is accompanied by rich aromas of licorice, forest floor, blackberries, and chocolate-infused black currants. This medium-bodied, moderately tannic, rich wine is clearly of classified-growth quality. It will benefit from 2-3 years of cellaring, and last for 12-14 years.” —WA 90-92

“As one might expect, proprietor Jean Gautreau has produced an uncompromisingly, potentially enormously long-lived 2005 that is as good as most Medoc cru classes. Based on previous vintages, it will undoubtedly require 10-12 years of cellaring. Its saturated blue/purple color is followed by a sumptuous bouquet of blueberries, white flowers, and minerals. Fresh, full-bodied, well-defined, and already revealing plenty of nuances, this intensely concentrated, impeccably pure effort is a classic vin de garde.” —WA 92-94

“A blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon and 42% Merlot, proprietor Bernard Magrez continues to demonstrate a sure touch at this Haut-Medoc estate. Fashioned from yields of 42 hectoliters per hectare, it is a powerful, dense, extracted, deep ruby/purple-hued, medium to full-bodied effort with high tannin, but beautiful purity as well as sweetness. It should turn out to be as good as the brilliant 2001 La Tour Carnet. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2025.” —WA 90-92

“Intense aromas of blackberry, chocolate and toasted oak. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long, long finish. Pretty.” —WS 89-91

“Lots of blackberry, spice, tar and licorice. Full-bodied, thick and rich. This is very dense. Pure fruit. Best ever from here.” —WS 92-94

The PJ’s team was wowed by the 2005 Cantenac-Brown. This estate, under the direction of winemaker José Sanfins, has been steadily improving over the last few years and the 2005 is a breakaway achievement—setting the château in the top ranks of the Margaux appellation. The wine is full with rich, ripe, smokey raspberry and blackberry fruit scents and flavors. It is both harmonious and expansive on the palate with elegance, depth and a long, mint-laced finish. This is a superb effort. PJ 93

“Very big and juicy, with fabulous berry, chocolate and currant character. Full and round. Long. This could be the best Giscours of all time.” —WS 92-94, PJ 92+

“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.” —WA 94-96

“Here we go again! This extraordinary wine is the greatest Kirwan made since some of the estate's historic offerings of the mid-1800s. An inky/black/purple color accompanies a gorgeous perfume of incense, creme de cassis, licorice, and subtle wood. It boasts thrilling levels of richness, full body, layers of concentration, high glycerin as well as tannin, and a fabulous 60-second finish. This compelling effort possesses 50 or more years of aging potential.” —WA 93-95+

“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.” —WA 91-94

“I know I sound like a broken record, but here is another estate that may have produced its finest wine ... ever. Rauzan Gassies rarely merits a 90-point or higher score, but their 2005 is a beautifully pure, structured, multi-textured cuvee boasting an inky/purple color as well as a sweet perfume of camphor, black currants, vitamins, and iron. This pure, rich, moderately tannic, long Margaux will be at its peak between 2009-2025.” —WA 90-93, PJ 91

“Beautiful aromas of blackberries, chocolate, coffee and currants. Full-bodied, with wonderfu ultrafine tannins and structure. Long, long finish. Seriously structured and rich. All in reserve right now, but you can feel the outstanding quality. 2000 in the remake. Tasted twice, with consistent notes.” —WS 95-100

“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.” —WA 91-94, PJ 91+

An outstanding showing by La Tour de By and another example of how well quality-oriented cru bourgeois producers did in 2005. It offers loads of black currant and plum fruit scents and flavors and is soft and elegant on the palate. This well-balanced wine features jammy black fruit tones harmonized by good acidity. The tannins are very fine and the finish is long. Impressive. —PJ 91

“Lovely berry, spice and cherry character. Full-bodied, with fine yet chewy tannins and a long finish. Structured and well-formed.” —WS 89-91, PJ 89+

The '05 Carruades is a marvelous effort with a level of quality that can compete with the first wine of most other estates. The PJ's team was very impressed. “Gorgeous aromas of blackberries, currants and spices. Full-bodied and focused, with fine, tight tannins and a chocolate, berry and licorice aftertaste. Serious second wine of Lafite. Could be as outstanding as the 2000.” —WS 89-91, PJ 92+

“Loads of violets, berries and currants with hints of mineral, light vanilla. Full-bodied, with very silky tannins and a long, long finish.” —WS 92-94, PJ 92

“Lots of blackberry and smoky character. Full-bodied, chewy and rich. Lots going on here. Powerful. Impressive.” —WS 92-94

“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.” —WA 92-94

“Blackberry and chocolate with hints of flowers. Full-bodied, with silky tannins. Lovely wine.” —WS 89-91, PJ 91

“Fabulous aromas of currant, tobacco, mineral and cedar with licorice undertones. Muscular wine with firm yet velvety tannins. Full-bodied, with lots of fruit yet reserved and long. Wonderful balance yet plenty of strength. Extremely well-toned and long. 2000 again?” —WS 95-100, PJ 96

The PJ's team tasted this wine three times while in Bordeaux and the final sample knocked our socks off—convincing us this is one of the great vintages of Lynch-Bages. “Currant, blackberry, cherry and hints of licorice. Full-bodied, with silky and refined tannins and a fresh finish. This is racy and pretty. Very refined. Very structured.” —WS 92-94, PJ 95+

“The 2005 Mouton-Rothschild (a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, and 1% Cabernet Franc) tips the scales at 13.2% alcohol, one of the highest percentages ever achieved at this estate. It does not possess the power or awesome depth of the 1986 or 1982, but it may represent a modern-day clone of the 1955. A tannic, backward, concentrated, powerful Mouton built for the ages, it will require 10-15 years to reach its full potential. An inky/blue/purple color is accompanied by classic notes of creme de cassis and smoke, but no trace of new oak. That in itself is a good indication of how rich and concentrated this wine must be to have absorbed all its oak at this stage of its evolution. One might also term it 1996-like in style given its fresh acidity and bright personality. Medium to full-bodied, impeccably elegant, powerful yet subtle and reticent at present, it will be extremely long-lived.” —WA 94-96, PJ 94+

“Yield of 35 hectoliters per hectare and a final blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Franc have produced a black/purple-colored 2005 boasting gorgeous intensity as well as sweet, classic creme de cassis notes interwoven with incense, camphor, and graphite. Powerful and full-bodied with abundant glycerin, high tannin, endearing freshness and sweetness, and a long, 45-second finish...” —WA 92-95, PJ 94

“Love the aromas here of currants, licorice, exotic fruit, and berries. Complex. Full and silky, with gorgeous tannins. This is really long and reserved. Very close to 95-100. I will see in bottle.” —WS 92-94, PJ 94

Pontet-Canet has been steadily improving in recent years and the PJ's team finds the 2005 their best ever. “Glorious aromas of currants, blackberries and cherries with hints of vanilla and cedar. Full-bodied, with exuberant fruit. Velvety tannins. Soft and round mouthfeel. This is supercharged with fruit. Wonderful purity of Cabernet Sauvignon. Very low yields this year. Best ever from here?” —WS 95-100, PJ 96

“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.” —WA 92-94, PJ 91

This excellent value features ripe, red cherry fruit scents and flavors with smoky, chocolatey accents. The attack is silky with a juicymiddle, fine tannins and sweet cherry tones on the ample finish. Plenty of accessible flavor for the price. PJ 88+

“This is the finest Haut-Bailly I have ever tasted, although I suppose the 1900 or 1928 may have possessed similar qualities at the same age. Quintessentially elegant and rich, with surreal lightness and delicacy, it displays an inky/ruby color and beautiful aromas of sweet raspberries, black currants, flowers, graphite, and minerals. Medium-bodied and stunningly concentrated with moderately high but sweet tannin, this modern day legend represents a new reference point for this estate (now American-owned).” —WA 93-95+

“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.” —WA 91-93

“The 2005 Haut-Brion is an extraordinarily broad, rich, full-bodied effort boasting huge aromas of scorched earth, plum sauce, sweet cherries, black currants, and a hint of toasty oak. The wine possesses huge tannins, which is somewhat deceptive given its viscosity and opulence. Despite its intensity, Haut-Brion is always a model of elegance and symmetry. The profound 2005, which will undoubtedly shut down after bottling, should be less seductive in its youth than either the 1989 or 1990, but it will be incredibly long-lived." —WA 96-100, PJ 95+

“This estate has been resurrected over the last decade under the inspired leadership of Belgian proprietor, Alexandre Bonnie. The incredibly elegant 2005 is a classic Graves offering wonderfully sweet aromas of berries, scorched earth, flowers, and spice. Elegant, vibrant, super-endowed, textured, rich, fresh, and lively, it should be approachable in 3-4 years, and last for 25 or more.” —WA 90-93

“Loads of crushed berries and flowers on the nose. Very sweet dark fruits. Full-bodied, with amazing concentration of fruit. Big, silky tannins. The depth of fruit is there. Dig down and find it. The richest La Mission ever.” —WS 95-100, PJ 93+

“Interesting ripe fruit and tobacco character with a hint of earth. Medium-bodied, with silky tannins and a medium finish.” —WS 89-91

“Lots of apple, mineral and lemon character with vanilla undertones. Full-bodied, with a bright acidity and a long finish. Serious. Well done.” —WS 92-94

“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!" —WA 96-100, PJ 94+

“Lovely wine with crushed raspberry and blackberry galore. Full, thick and round. Gorgeous.” —WS 89-91

“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.” —WA 93-95+

“Bright and fruity with apple, lemon and tropical fruit character. Full-bodied, with a solid core of fruit and the texture of a red wine. Goes on and on. Blockbuster. Fabulous. Brilliant and fresh. Long.” —WS 95-100

From highly committed producer Jean de Laitre and acclaimed consultant Stéphan Derenoncourt comes this excellent value offering. Le Thil Comte Clary is nestled between classified Pessac-Léognan estates Carbonnieux, Smith-Haut-Lafitte and Bouscaut. The work done since proprietor Jean de Laitre gave up his medical practice to dedicate his time to the château is evident in his 2005. It displays ample plum and berry notes with smoky, bacon tones and an underlaying layer of gravelly minerality. The attack is silky with a juicy mid-palate, bright acidity and a long finish. There is a lot of character for the price in this gem. —PJ 89+

“This estate has been on fire since 1997, and the 2005 is their finest effort since 2000, 2001, and 1998. A blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc (from the oldest vines of Pomerol), it offers up fabulous aromas of truffles, black currants, vanilla, barbecue spices, and graphite. This well-endowed, full-bodied wine reveals an opulent, voluptuous texture, surprisingly good acidity, and high tannin. The 2005 vintage is unusual in that it is extremely concentrated and tannic yet vibrant and refreshing. This is another example of a potentially profound as well as long-lived wine.” —WA 94-96

“This is rich and powerful with seamless tannins and wonderful fruit. Full-bodied, with lots going on and a long, long finish. Gorgeous. Lots of fruit and toasted, smoky oak. This is very close to classic.” —WS 92-94, PJ 91+

“Intense blackberry, chocolate and floral aromas. Full-bodied, with amazing texture of soft tannins and ripe fruit. All in balance. So long. Goes on and on. Loving and tender. What a red. This reminds me of 1950, although I wasn't around to taste it from barrel! I am amazed.” —WS 95-100, PJ 95+

“Aromas of honey, dried apple and pear. Full-bodied, medium-sweet, with a solid core of fruit and honey character. Very impressive. Fresh. Juicy.” —WS 92-94

“Dried pineapples with honey and flowers. Full-bodied and medium-sweet, with fresh acidity and a spicy finish.” —WS 92-94

“Gorgeous aromas of dried pineapple and apricot follow through to a full-bodied palate, with sweet fruit and a long, long finish. Best ever from here?” —WS 92-94

“Loads of spicy honey and apple character. Full-bodied, medium-sweet, with a solid core of fruit and lots of botrytis character. Very racy. Not the 2001 but superb.” —WS 95-100