Exclusive 2005 Bordeaux Tasting Notes for WineZap

The following tasting notes were taken during our visit to Bordeaux April 2-7. None of the tasting were blind and most occurred at the individual Chateau or at one of the UGC tastings. The notes were written by Mike Supple and myself (Shaun Bishop). In all, we tasted about 100 wines a day, but have only posted notes on about half. We will add additional notes in the coming days, including some from Le Pin and Vieux Chateau Certan among others.

The 2005 vintage in Bordeaux was characterized by exceptional climate. The winter was colder than average which caused the buds to break a bit earlier. Then, a hot, sunny spring brought about even vegetation growth which led to a quick flowering. The summer saw only four inches of rain between May 1 and harvest – that is about half the average of the past 30 years. Unlike 2003, the weather was not extremely hot…just very dry. All this lead to very consistent quality across all the appellations as well as up and down the tiers of the various Chateaus, making for especially great buys in the lower levels. In addition, the second labels of many of the top Chateaus will prove to be terrific wines at reasonable prices. What the splendid weather conditions did for the wines was give them slightly higher alcohols (Chateau Margaux saw record alcohol levels of up to 15.5% in their Merlot), high tannins, crisp acidity as well as high pH. The end result is total harmony - rich wines that are in balance with a degree of freshness.

As for the individual wines, Cheval Blanc, Ausone and Margaux were simply stunning and at this point, one of these is the candidate for wine of the vintage. There were other wines that you might ‘expect’ to be in the top tier and then there were a few ‘upside surprises’, such as Smith-Haut-Lafitte, La Tour Figeac, Pichon Longueville Baron, Trotanoy, Malescot St-Exupery, Grand Mayne, Larcis Ducasse, Chauvin, Clos Fourtet, Haut Bergey, and Larrivet Haut Brion to mention a few. All in all, there was terrific quality across the board with a slight bias toward the Right Bank.

Bordeaux Superieur:

2005 Penin (Bordeaux Superieur): 100% Merlot. Dark purple with a bright ruby rim. A little hot on the nose with roasted cherries and hints of vanilla cake. Soft entry onto the palate. Fine tannins stay controlled under the fruit. The tannins get a little chew in the mid-palate, followed by a thin fruit finish. 83-85 Pts – Mike Supple


Canon Fronsac:

2005 Moulin Haut-Laroque (Canon Fronsac): Dark purple color. Loads of blackberries, cassis, and coffee on the nose. This is a dense, full-bodied offering that exhibits a beautiful, dense texture followed by an exciting finish. A great find and a terrific value. 91-93 Pts – Shaun Bishop


Cotes de Castillon:

2005 Clos l’Eglise (Cotes de Castillon)2005 Clos l’Eglise: 70% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc. Thick dark purple. Medium to full-bodied, it posseses dark black cherry aromas along with sweet vanilla and new oak. Soft entry onto the palate. The tannins stay soft on the mid-palate. Chewy tannins on the finish, partly covering the fruit. 90-92 Pts – Shaun Bishop

2005 Clos les Lunelles (Cotes de Castillon): 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc. Dark purple with blue flecks in the ruby rim. Limestone and cool blueberry aromas. Wet stone minerality keeps the fruit aromas a little muted. Grate blueberry and blackberry fruit on the palate. Good acidity with firm tannic finish. 90-92 Pts – Shaun Bishop

2005 Clos Puy Arnaud (Cotes de Castillon): 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Dark black purple with a brilliant violet rim. Toasted brioche, sweet cherry and raspberry aromas over toasted brown sugar and cassis. Sweet soft cherry entry onto the palate, building tannic structure on the mid-palate. The fruit fades a little on the mid-palate, but stays spicy through to the end. The very present tannins smooth out on the finish. 89-91 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Laussac (Cotes de Castillon): Nice cherry pink color gradually fades to an almost clear rim. Rather muted strawberry nose. Very bright and crisp on the palate. Candied strawberries and hints of lemon zest. 87-89 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Saint Colombe (Cotes de Castillon)2005 Saint Colombe: 70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc. Dark purple fades to a violet and ruby flecked rim. A bit hot on the nose and very rich, lush in texture. Sweet, plump black fruit with nice length on the finish. Great value play. 89-91 Pts – Shaun Bishop

2005 Veyry (Cotes de Castillon): 95% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc. Dark purple. Loads of fruit, including black currants and blackberries on the nose. Well integrated, fine tannins. Leathery tobacco flavors over sweet cherry and a long bittersweet chocolate finish. Should prove to be an excellent value. 89-91 Pts – Shaun Bishop


Entre Deux Mers:

2005 Marjosse (Entre Deux Mers): 68% Merlot, 27% Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc. Dark black/red color with a purple rim. Strawberry, raspberry, and spicy stewed plum on the nose. Stays soft enough on the palate. Well integrated with a long spicy cherry finish. 90-92 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Marjosse Blanc (Entre Deux Mers): 55% Sauvignon Blanc, 40% Semillon, 5% Muscadelle. Silvery-white with just a hint of gold color. Smells like a New Zealand white: lots of grapefruit with hints of lemon grass. Very crisp and lively on the palate. The Muscadelle softens and sweetens the wine, adding tropical notes of pineapple. Finishes incredibly crisp and clean with lingering bright citrus notes. 91-93 Pts – Mike Supple


Fronsac:

2005 Haut Carles (Fronsac): 90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Pressac (Malbec). Red/purple color with a violet/red rim. Sweet cherry and licorice aromas up front, followed by a very floral perfume of lilac and hints of burnt cedar. Cinnamon flavors on the palate under toasted oak and cherries. The palate isn’t quite as enticing as the nose. Well balanced with fine tannic structure and a long spicy fruit finish. 89-91 Pts – Mike Supple

Haut Medoc:

2004 Bernadotte (Haut Medoc): 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot. Brighter red than the ’05. Somewhat muted fruit, but better developed and balanced than the ‘5. Balanced, but the fruit is thin. 85-87 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Bernadotte (Haut Medoc): 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc. Bright purple with ruby rim. Raspberries, red and black currants and hints of leather on the nose. Medium-bodied. Strong tannins that are a little disjointed – lacks finesse. 12 months in 15% new barrels. 85-87 Pts – Mike Supple

Listrac-Medoc:

2005 Ducluzeau (Listrac-Medoc): 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 50% Merlot. Nice dark purple color with a ruby rim. Red currant on the nose over leather and raspberries. Fresh young vibrant fruit on the palate. Tannins are strong on the finish, but the fruit falls a little short. This is usually 100% merlot, but this year has 50% Cabernet Sauvignon. 88-90 Pts – Mike Supple

Margaux:

2005 Alter Ego (Margaux): 57% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon. This is the second wine from Château Palmer. A maximum of 5000 cases will be produced. Dark purple core that stretches all the way to the rim of the wine. Very ripe nose of cassis, cherry spicy vanilla and chocolate, with hints of violet and raisins. The wine hits the front of the palate with an almost sweet, soft quality. The tannins are very present and slightly disjointed on the mid-palate. Bright cherry and cassis fruits come through and last through the long finish, with hints of chalk pulling at the edges. 91-93 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Brane-Cantenac (Margaux): Nice dark violet with purple edges. Warmer vanilla and toasted cherry on the nose with herbaceous rhubarb and raspberry hints. Sweet tannins on the front of the palate with raspberry, blueberry and sweet tea notes. Well balanced. 90-91 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Cantenac Brown (Margaux): Reddish amber hues. Lots of sweet cherries and notes of black currants. Plenty of tannins that are fairly well integrated. Medium to full-bodied and good texture. This is a big wine. 90-92 Pts – Shaun Bishop

2005 d’Angludet (Margaux): Very thick reddish purple. Low, sweet fruit on the nose, mostly consisting of cedar, oak, and hints of sweat. Very funky on the palate with disjointed tannic structure. Finish of Band-Aids. 75 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Dauzac (Margaux): Dark red color. Toasted molasses and red cherry on the nose. Toasted oak on the front palate, yet it balances fairly well with the rich dark fruit on the mid-palate. Tannins are astringent and a bit of a short finish. 84-86 Pts – Shaun Bishop

2005 du Tertre (Margaux): Red/purple in the middle, but gets thin far from the edge. Green, herbaceous nose. Not very deep or complex on the palate. Decent fruit, although it remains one-dimensional. The tannins are well integrated and very approachable. This one can be enjoyed early. 86-88 Pts – Shaun Bishop

2005 Durfort-Vivens (Margaux)2005 Durfort-Vivens: Very clear, bright cherry-red color. Somewhat hot on the nose, but bright minty raspberry and floral hints rise above the heat. The alcohol disappears on the palate. Deep tea flavors followed by very soft wild blueberries. Mid-weight wine. 83-85 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Ferrière (Margaux): Bright red with good clarity. Cinnamon and raspberry aromas rise over hints of sweet blueberry and licorice. Tea and raspberries dominate the palate of this medium-bodied and somewhat one-dimensional wine. 83-85 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Giscours (Margaux): Opaque purple. Spicy nose with hints of sour cherry, eucalyptus, and green olive. Lush and rich on the front of the palate, followed by a huge tannic finish with lingering plum and coffee flavors. Will require some cellating but this is an excellent wine and a great value. 91-93 Pts – Shaun Bishop

2005 Kirwan (Margaux): A bright purple-flecked ripe-tomato red. Cinnamon and burnt toast aromas with hints of green pepper under caramel coated fruit. Sweet tea dominates the lush juicy tannins on the palate. Very well integrated and great potential. 92-94 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Labégorce (Margaux): Thick, almost black with reddish edges. Cannot see through it at all. A very delicate and subtle nose with hints of mint, cherry, chocolate and leather. Wild tannins on the palate over caramel and generous, lush, fresh red fruit. 84-96 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Lascombes (Margaux): Dark purple center with red edges. Fresh baked baguette over eucalyptus and black cherry on the nose. Strong sweet tobacco, cherry and tea on the front palate. Well balanced on the middle although the tannins get a little chewy and disjointed on the finish. The fruit falls a little thin, keeping it from a higher score. 90-92 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Malescot Saint-Exupery (Margaux): Opaque purple color. Aromas of mint, violet, spicy raspberry, and cinnamon over notes of ginger and cedar. Deep, dark and lush on the palate, full of well refined tannins. Extremely long fruity finish with hints of toasty vanilla. 94-96 Pts – Shaun Bishop

2004 Margaux (Margaux): 78%Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. Hints of brick in the red color. Aromas of violets and cutt grass. Very floral with underlying red fruits. On palate, cut grass and new oak give way to cherry and black pepper, leather. Full dry tanins are slightly astringent. Loses some of it's balance on the mid palate. Finishes with a hint of creamy chocolate and coffee. 92 Pts - Mike Supple

2005 Margaux (Margaux): 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, and 1% Cabernet Franc. Extremely dark purple. Thick and opulent. Deepest color they've ever had. Rich ripe and full aromas of rasberry cinamon, clove and cucumber with hints of green plumb. Instant chocolate covered cherries on the palate. Very full in the mouth, yet soft and sweet enough tannins to be aproachable. Fresh rasberry and blackberry with enough structure to age beautifully, but I could almost drink it now, due to it's incredible balance. Round, well integrated tannins. Possibly the Best Wine of 2005. 99-100 Pts - Mike Supple

2005 Marquis d’Alesme Becker (Margaux): Dark violet-purple color. Hints of alcohol on the nose over floral notes with undertones of red fruits. Large unbalanced tannins pulling at the teeth. Finish of black licorice and violets. 80-84 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Marquis de Terme (Margaux): Dark, full purple. Something funky and disjointed on the nose: sour with a hint of onion. Nice fruit up front on the palate. Raspberry and blackberry that get thin on the mid-palate. Long finish of candied fruit. Slightly disjointed throughout. 80-82 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Monbrison (Margaux): Ruby-flecked violet color. Chocolate covered cherries over sweet plum aromas. Eucalyptus and candied raspberries on the palate. Lots of fine tannins. Long lingering fruit finish with hints of vanilla. 88-90 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Palmer (Margaux): 40% Merlot, 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petite Verdot. A maximum of 11000 cases will be produced. Dark, thick, glass coating purple. Blueberries jump out on the nose followed by a floral bouquet of lilacs and lavender. Dusty cherries and raisin round out the aromas. The entry onto the palate is sweet and incredibly soft and pure. The tannins are much better balanced than the Alter Ego, which is not to say they aren’t present: there is a full tannic grip making for nice aging potential, but they are very smooth and supple. Rich plum and blackberry fill the mouth with lingering hints of smoky leather. 93-95 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Pavillon Blanc du Chateau Margaux (Margaux): 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Very pale, delicate white gold color. Very herbaceous on the nose, with slight hints of skunk cabbage overly bright lemon zest and citrus fruits. The wine is medium bodied on the palate and very grassy with tones of lemon and bright pineapple. More unctuous in the mouth, with less of a crisp acidic bite. 87-89 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux (Margaux): 48% Cabernet Sauvgnon, 48% Merlot, and 4% Petit Verdot. Thick glass coating of purple / red. Rich Bing cherry, chocolate, coffee, rasberry, hints of sour cherry and spice on the nose. Big, big tannins are pulling at the back of my tongue and throat. Dense, lush and full. New oak, rasberry and bitter chocolate on the palate. 92-94 Pts - Mike Supple

2005 Prieuré-Lichine (Margaux): Dark purple, not very opaque. Sweet blackberry, coffee, eucalyptus and verbena on the nose. Dark roasted coffee on the front of the palate. Strong tannic structure. Tart, with and acidic cherry finish. 89-91 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Rauzan Gassies (Margaux): Thick, dark purple, very opaque. Aromas of black fruits and eucalyptus. Sweet tea on the front palate. Tannins come in on the mid-palate and pull focus away from the fruit. Hints of camphor on the finish. Good length a plenty of structure. 89-91 Pts – Shaun Bishop

2005 Rauzan-Ségla (Margaux): Thick ruby purple that coast the glass. Heavy coffee, chocolate, toasted vanilla and molasses dominate the nose. Toasted buttered popcorn fills the palate over plum and sour cherry. Lots of tannins. Built for the long haul. 94-96 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Siran (Margaux): Reddish-purple out to the edges. Nose of clay, aged tobacco and burnt tobacco over light cherries. A bit stale on the palate, with a noticeable lack of fruit until the candied red cherry finish. 82-84 Pts – Mike Supple

Medoc

2005 Goulée (Medoc): Property north of the Medoc in the Gironde Estuary, owned by Cos d’Estornel. Thick and dark, almost black. An interesting nose with hints of pine and huckleberry. Clay and wet stone on the front of the palate. Strong tannic structure that almost overpowers the fruit. Finishes with a hint of band-aid. 88-90 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Potensac (Medoc): 41% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Cabernet Franc. Dark purple color. Owned by the Delon Family of Leoville Las Cases. Black currant and cassis on the nose with notes of mineral and earth. Medium body, astringent tannins, and a rather simple finish. 81-83 Pts – Shaun Bishop

Pauillac:

2005 Batailley (Pauillac): Dark amber red. Nose of dirty spices with hints of clay. Good body with a long caramel finish. 83-85 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Croizet-Bages (Pauillac): Pink hues to the purple core. Green pepper hints over candied cherry and new oak aromas. Strong green pepper on the palate. Big disjointed tannins lead to a candied raspberry finish. 85-87 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Carruades de Lafite (Pauillac): 45.5% Merlot, 48.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4.5% Cabernet Franc, 1.5% Petit Verdot. Thick, dark purple center that fades fast near the edges. Spicy cinnamon over plum and cassis on the nose. Stewed raisins and sweet vanilla on the palate with a medium tannic pull. 84-86 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Clerc-Milon (Pauillac): 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot, 1% Carmenère. Bright red color with flecks of purple. Extremely floral nose over tobacco, raspberry and cherry. Very full and round on the plate. Fine tannins that are well integrated. Ripe fruit up front with notes of chocolate and espresso. Finish fades a little too quickly, but delicious. 90-92 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 d’Armailhac (Pauillac): 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot. Ruby purple color fades to ruby edges. Fantastic chocolate mint on the nose over floral notes and red cherry. Soft, smooth and supple with round tannins and juicy, spicy fruit on the palate. Vanilla and toasty oak. Long, smooth milk chocolate finish. Outstanding! 93-95 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Duhart-Milon (Pauillac): Owned by the Rothschilds of Chateau Lafite. 29% Merlot, 71% Cabernet Sauvignon. Opulent and clear purple that fades to a very light violet on the edges. Spicy raspberry over new oak on the nose. Elegant notes of black currant and hint of lavender. Chalky on the palate with firm, green tannins. Better buy for the money than the Lafite. 91-93 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Grand-Puy Ducasse (Pauillac): Black center transitions to a light violet rim. Honey and mint on the nose over gamy pepperoni and cantaloupe. Soft entry onto the palate getting a little thin and metallic on the mid-palate. Finishes with decent tannins and a lingering toasty raspberry. 89-92 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Haut-Bages Averous (Pauillac): The second wine of Château Lynch-Bages. 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, 26% Merlot. Bright purple color with a violet rim. Eucalpytus notes over slight stewed tomatoes on the nose. Big graphite and leather on the palate with a hint of orange zest. Huge tannins that are somewhat astringent. Odd fresh green watermelon rind on the finish. 87-89 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Haut-Bages Libéral (Pauillac): Violet to purple color. Explosive fresh raspberry, wild honeycomb, vanilla and mint on the nose. Medium juicy tannins that are very well balanced. Long finish of coffee, raspberries and blueberries. 92-94 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Mouton Rothschild (Pauillac): 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc. Dark purple all the way to the edge. Great spicy clove nose over cherry, new oak, and cardamom. Very tannic, but they are juicy and well integrated. Nice ripe raspberry fruit with a chocolate finish that keeps going on and on. This is a beauty. 97-100 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Lafite Rothschild (Pauillac): 10.7% Merlot, 88.8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 0.5% Petit Verdot. Somewhat thin purple color. Surprisingly little going on in the nose: sweet red fruit over graphite. Much better on the palate. Well integrated tannins. Blueberry, raspberry and dusty chocolate. Cherries on the finish with light graphite and metallic edges. 91-93 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Latour (Pauillac): 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Inky red/purple that doesn’t fade. Cool minty dark chocolate on the nose with big dark plum and black cherry notes. Rich and full big tannic structure that is well integrated. A smoky, long fruit finish, this is a complex and beautiful wine. Fairly open for such a young wine. Tannins are nice and soft. 97-100 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 La Reserve de la Comtesse 2005 (Pauillac): 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 49% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc, 11% Petit Verdot. Bright red fading to pink edges. Leathery and gamy nose with hints of red strawberries and raspberries. A touch of tobacco and leather on the palate. Fairly well balanced, but not very complex. 83-85 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Les Forts de Latour (Pauillac): 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot. Violet hue that goes to the rim. Light earthy minerality on the nose with fresh strawberry and blueberry over hints of cardamom. Very lush on the palate with full, round fruit. Oaky cherries and cassis with a hint of mint and full chewy tannins on the back end. Nice acidity and great balance. This is a monster. 93-95 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Les Tourelles de Longueville (Pauillac): Dark purple color fades to a pink rim. Leather and green herbaceous aromas over cassis, cherry and mint. A beautifully soft and elegant wine that can be approached early. Lush juicy black cherry and cassis on the palate. Very well balanced. 88-90 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Le Petit Mouton (Pauillac): 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc. Bright ruby red color. Bright almost overripe fruit nose with a chalky/minty hint of Pepto-Bismol and a musty minerality. Medium tannins on the front of the palate with fresh sweet raspberries. Not very balanced: very distinct front, middle and end. 80-82 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Lynch-Bages (Pauillac): 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, 15% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot. Opulent, oily purple through the whole wine. Graphite and wet stone on the nose with more minerals than fruit. Hints of raspberry. The graphite follows through on the palate with a very fine tannic structure. Sweet candied fruits with a long finish of vanilla and toasted oak. 90-92 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Lynch-Moussas (Pauillac): Dark red flips to violet on the edges. Caramel and toffee nose over toasted cherries. Less fruit on the palate. Tannins come flooding in and remain fairly dry on the palate. 82-84 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Pauillac de Latour (Pauillac): 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot. Purple and ruby in the center that gets a touch light on the edges. Dark fruit on the nose: cherry and raspberry with spicy hints of cedar. New oak is strong on the palate. Nice tannic structure along with relative concentration. Finish falls a bit short. 89-91 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Pibran (Pauillac): Very nice rose/purple color, gradually fading to a violet rim. Sweet raspberry and cool blackberry, leather and tea aromas. Sweet tannins on the front of the palate with ripe lush fruit. Well balanced through to the end. Chewy, long fruit finish. 89-91 Pts – Mike Supple

1989 Pichon-Longueville (Pauillac): [Tasted at lunch] Dark rusty red, cloudy and full of sediment. Heavy aged cabernet nose, with smoky leather and deep ripe fruit aromas. The palate is full of lush, fresh, dark cherry. It still has great structure and tannic body. Spicy leather and fruit on the finish. 93 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Pichon Longueville Baron (Pauillac): 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc. Opaque purple color. Incredible nose of sweet blackberries, cassis, spices, vanilla, and toasty new oak with subtle notes espresso and truffles. Beautiful mid palate and a complex structure that finishes strong and goes on and on. The round tannins are well integrated. Very seductive. 95-97 Pts – Shaun Bishop

2005 Pichon Longueville Comtese de Lalande (Pauillac): 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot. Bright red color with a rose rim. Rather one-dimensional on the nose. Thin and disappointing on the palate. Will need to revisit in a year with the hopes that it has put on more weight. 82-84 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Pontet-Canet (Pauillac): Gorgeous color of dark purple with reddish edges. Complex nose of blueberry, boysenberry, toasty vanilla oak and faints hints of fresh mint at the edges of the nose. Cassis and oak are surrounded by strong yet well-balanced juicy tannins. 92-94 Pts – Mike Supple

Pessac

2005 Bahans Haut-Brion (Pessac Leognan): 35% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 30% Cabernet Franc. This is the second wine of Haut Brion. Dark red / purple with flecks of violet on the rim. Not a lot on the nose. Tight focus with hints of leeks. Lacks fruit on the palate too. Nice acidity, but a bit low on tannins. 84-86 Pts - Mike Supple

2005 Haut Bergey (Pessac Leognan): 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot. Opaque purple color. 50% new oak. Beautiful bouquet of dark fruits, coffee, and subtle notes of spices. This is a stunning effort that boasts a medium to full-body with a huge, silky, lush texture and lots of round tannins. Don’t miss this one. 92-94 Pts – Shaun Bishop

2005 Haut-Brion (Pessac Leognan): 56% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Cabernet Franc. Dark black purple. So thick, light almost folds into it. Cool blueberry aromas. Not much else at first. Opens to light oak, chocolate and cherry. Smokey leather, tobacco, and tar on the palate. Heavy tannins pulling at my teeth. Dark blackberry and cassis flavors are muted somewhat by heavy new oak and green tannic overtones. 92-95 Pts - Mike Supple

2005 Haut Brion Blanc (Pessac Leognan): 48% Semillon and 52% Sauvignon Blanc. Light gold with flecks of green. Very similar nose to the Laville. Lots of fresh mint and sweet grapefruit. Very crisp and fresh on the palate. Full ruby red grapefruit with lively accidity and a long finish. 92-93 Pts - Mike Supple

2005 La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion (Pessac Leognan): 30% Merlot, 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Cabernet Franc. This is the second wine of La Mission Haut Brion. A dark and opulent wine with deep purple hues that turn ruby on the rim. Rich caramel, warm chocolate and hints of raspberry on the nose. Palate is tight and chewy with hints of black pepper and heavy toasted oak. The finish is long and spicy but a little light on fruit. 90 Pts - Mike Supple

2005 La Mission Haut-Brion (Pessac Leognan): 69% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 1% Cabernet Franc. Purple with blue hues on the rim. Fresh red fruit and mint on the nose. Fruit comes up over tannic notes of oak and leather. Some white pepper and sweet spice with hints of tar. Huge juicy tannins on palate. Bright red rasberry. 90-93 Pts - Mike Supple

2005 La Tour Haut-Brion (Pessac Leognan): 32% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 41% Cabernet Franc. Dark ruby / purple, thick. Hints of blueberry on the nose followed by vanilla and new, toasty oak. Large tannic structure. Very tight and a bit leathery, yet well balanced. Tart rasberries and cherries on the pallet. 86 Pts - Mike Supple

2005 Larrivet Haut Brion (Pessac Leognan): 50% Merlot, 50% Cabernet Sauvignon. Opaque purple color. Aromas of ripe red and black fruits with notes of tobacco and chocolate. This medium-bodied wine has a velvety, lush texture along with round tannins. Should be accessible early. It’s a real beauty. 92-94 Pts – Shaun Bishop

2005 Laville Haut-Brion (Pessac Leognan): 78% Semillon and 22% Sauvignon Blanc. Rich hay gold color. Nose. Wow, very different. Fresh spearmint and green herbs, lemon zest. Soft entry onto the palate. Mint still present with light hints of bubblegum and lemon. Medium crisp finish. Fresh fruit falls a little short. 90 Pts - Mike Supple

2005 Pape Clement (Pessac Leognan): 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot. Opaque purple color. Aromas of black cherries, currants, and coffee with smoky tobacco notes. Medium-bodied with quite heavy tannins, this wine is well balanced and has good structure. Great length to the finish after a stylish mid palate. 90-92 Pts – Shaun Bishop

2005 Smith-Haut-Lafitte (Pessac Leognan): Opaque purple color. Perfumed aromas of cassis, currants, chocolate, coffee and hints of vanilla. This is a beautifully seamless wine with almost velvety tannins. Full-bodied, it has a thick, rich texture with a lingering finish. A superb wine. 97-99 Pts – Shaun Bishop

Pomerol:

2005 Certan de May (Pomerol): Dark purple color. Beautiful aromas of very dark fruits with notes of cedar and spices. Georgeous full body that is structured by lots of chewy tannins. Although this wine will require time, it should prove to be well worth the wait. 96-98 Pts – Shaun Bishop

2005 Certan Marzelle (Pomerol): 100% Merlot from relatively young 17 year old vines from a parcel of the original Certan Giraud vineyard (the other parcel is now Hosanna). Dark purple color. Aromas of black fruits, licorice, and spice. Nice round tannins and a medium to full body that possesses relatively soft and plush texture resulting in a wine that should be approachable early. 90-92 Pts – Shaun Bishop

2005 Clinet (Pomerol): 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc. Dark purple color. Inviting aromas of coffee, chocolate, and violets with subtle notes of toasty oak. Full-bodied, sweet and dense. Tannins are well integrated, leading to a beautiful finish that lingers on the palate. A real beauty. 96-98 Pts – Shaun Bishop

2005 Clos du Clocher (Pomerol)2005 Clos du Clocher : Opaque purple color. A beautiful nose of jammy black fruits, chocolate, and coffee with notes of toasty new oak. Very accessible with nicely integrated tannins, this is a fleshy, full-bodied wine with terrific concentration. 90-92 Pts – Shaun Bishop

2005 Fugue de Nenin (Pomerol): 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc. Second wine of Nenin. Opaque purple color. Aromas of ripe black and red berries. Medium-bodied with low acidity, it’s rather simplistic and one dimensional, but nevertheless a nice wine. Tannins are soft and round. Good value. 84-86 Pts – Shaun Bishop

2005 Gazin (Pomerol): Dark purple color. Cassis, black cherries and leather on the nose. Full-bodied, it has a large tannic structure that is hard to overcome at the moment. However, the fruit stands up well but will need time to settle down. 90-92 Pts – Shaun Bishop

2005 Hosanna (Pomerol): A Merlot, Cabernet Franc mix from the oldest vines from a parcel of the original Certan Giraud vineyard. Now run my Christian Moueix. Dark purple color. Lovely bouquet of blackberries, cassis, spices and truffles. Full-bodied, it has plenty of power as well as finesse to give it lots of charm. Tannins are very well integrated and provide excellent structure. 94-96 Pts – Shaun Bishop

2005 La Clémence (Pomerol): 85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc. Dark red fading to a light red rim. Toffee, coffee and chocolate over cherry aromas. Soft entry into raspberry fruit with a firm tannic finish. 89-90 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 La Conseillante (Pomerol): Dark purple color. Aromas of black berries, chocolate and tobacco. A medium to full body with some hard edges. Tannins feel a bit disjointed, but hopefully in time will balance. Overall it does have the structure and weight. 91-93 Pts – Shaun Bishop

2005 La Croix de Gay (Pomerol): Dark purple color. Aromas of red fruits, cherry, graphite and earth notes. Finesse styled with a medium body, it’s a clean wine that can be enjoyed early. 87-89 Pts – Shaun Bishop

2005 Lafleur Petrus (Pomerol): Dark purple color. Elegant aromas of flowers, black cherry and currants with notes of spices. A muscular effort, it’s full bodied with big tannins. Admirable length to the finish. 93-95 Pts – Shaun Bishop

2005 Lafleur Gazin (Pomerol): Dark purple color. Perfumed aromas of flowers, violet, and spices with notes of minerals. Medium body with plenty of tannins, this wine has a good structure and great length to the finish. 90-92 Pts – Shaun Bishop

2005 Latour a Pomerol (Pomerol): Dark purple color. Aromas of black currants and cherries with notes of dark spices. Tannins are tight and coarse and give more than enough backbone to this medium to full-bodied wine. Good potential here. 91-93 Pts – Shaun Bishop

2005 l‘Evangile (Pomerol): 87% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc. Dark purple color. Beautiful aroma of perfume, flowers, coffee, blackberries and crème de cassis. The wine is simply gorgeous and in total harmony. Full-bodied with integrated tannins and new oak. The finish is long and powerful. A classic. 97-100 Pts – Shaun Bishop

2005 Nenin (Pomerol): 74% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Franc. Dark purple color. Yields of 36 hectoliters per hectare. Aromas of black jammy fruits and flowers, with notes of spices, truffles and graphite. Full-bodied and low acidity with very well integrated tannins that lead to a finish that is long and sumptuous. Outside of the Leoville Las Cases, this is one of the best wines in the Delon potfolio. 90-92 Pts – Shaun Bishop

2005 Petrus (Pomerol): Dark purple color. Aromas of dark concentrated fruits with a gorgeous perfume of flowers along with notes of coffee, chocolate and toasty new oak. The wine is full-bodied and brawny with huge levels of tannins. The finish goes on and on. 96-98 Pts – Shaun Bishop

1998 Petit-Village (Pomerol): [Tasted at lunch] 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Cabernet Franc, 65% Merlot. Dark brick red, good clarity. Aromas of stewed roasted fruits over fresh plum, dark cherry, black currant and black licorice. Lush ripe fruit, high toned acid with a balanced tannic bite. A little aged and soft, yet retains some structure. Long fruity finish. 89 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Petit-Village (Pomerol): Bright red with purple flecks. Leather, black licorice, black currant and black cherry aromas. Nice soft entry onto the palate with tannins that build strength on the mid-palate. Good balance. Long cherry, vanilla and toast finish. Very ripe – it’s a mouthful. 92-94 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Trotanoy (Pomerol): Dark purple color. Exotic aromas of currants, black cherries, pepper, and truffles with subtle notes of smoke. A knock-out wine that is powerful and structured by chewy tannins that will provide decades of life. Simply beautiful. 95-97 Pts – Shaun Bishop

2005 Vieux Maillet (Pomerol): 82% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc. Dark purple to a light purple rim. Slightly stinky and sour nose. Bright young fresh fruit on the palate. Full tannic structure. 87-88 Pts – Mike Supple

Premier Cotes de Bordeaux:

2005 Mont Perat (Premier Cotes de Bordeaux): Dark purple color. A very nice nose of black fruits and spice, with notes of new oak. A real fruit bomb, this is a full-bodied wine with terrific texture. A great value. 89-91 Pts – Shaun Bishop

Sauternes:

2005 “S” de Suduiraut (Sauternes): 50% Semillon, 50% Sauvignon Blanc. A yellow/golden hay color. Big litchi fruit and ruby grapefruit with sweet citrus notes and a hint of fresh cut green grass on the nose. Soft and lush on the entry of the palate. Fills the mouth very nicely. Bright balanced acidic fruity finish. 92-94 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Suduiraut (Sauternes): Medium copper/gold color with visible swirls of concentrated sugar. Rich, honeyed nose with a touch of vanilla oak and botrytis over sweet tropical fruits. Fresh yet very deep, concentrated and expansive on the palate. Brilliant flavors of wild honeycomb, and hints of mango. Finishes very refreshingly due to the balance of fruit and sugar to acid. 94-96 Pts – Mike Supple


St Emilion:

2005 Angelus (St. Emilion): Black purple color. Complex nose of violets, blackberries and roasted coffee beans. Tannins are integrated nicely and the body is medium to full. Very elegent wine with a clean, long finish. It’s a beauty. 95-97 Pts – Shaun Bishop

2005 Ausone (St. Emilion): Deep purple color. Black berries, blueberries, flowers and wet earth on the nose. Massive body that delivers plenty of integrated, powerful sweet tannins and a long, long finish. The fruit is rich and concentrated, yet very elegant. This is a gorgeous wine that will require some patience. 99-100 Pts – Shaun Bishop

2005 Beau-Sejour Becot (St. Emilion): Opaque purple color. Beautiful aromas of espresso, chocolate, flowers and wild berries. Plenty of well integrated tannins and a full body with an impressive length to the finish. 92-94 Pts – Shaun Bishop

2005 Belair (St. Emilion): Opaque purple color. Notes of simple red, fresh fruits and minerals. Medium body and a bit one dimensional. Tannins are tight and astringent. Will need to revisit in a year. 84-86 Pts – Shaun Bishop

2005 Bellevue (St. Emilion): 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Thick pinkish-purple core with a rose rim. Huge blueberry/blackberry jam nose leads to plum and spicy vanilla. Milk chocolate, plums and bright cherries fill the front of the mouth. Strong tannins build on the mid-palate without overpowering the fruit. Black cherry finish with good structure. 93-95 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Bellevue-Mondotte (St. Emilion): 90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc. Inky black color with a dark purple rim. Blueberry pie, cinnamon and clove spices followed by cassis and blackberry on the nose. Very soft entry on the front palate, but tannins increase and get a little disjointed on the mid-palate. Tannins stay strong and pull at the teeth through finish. Lingering cool black fruits with caramel hints with a plum and toffee finish. 90-92 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Canon (St. Emilion): Opaque purple color. Blackberry, raspberry and cherries with notes of minerals. Nice structure and tannins with a medium body that could use a bit more weight. This is made more in the elegent style. 84-86 Pts – Shaun Bishop

2005 Canon-la-Gaffeliere (St. Emilion): 55% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Opaque purple color. A perfumed nose of blackberry, cassis, and flowers, followed by hints of licorice and coffee. This is a full-bodied offering with terrific structure, complexity and an even better balance. Don’t miss this one. 97-99 Pts – Shaun Bishop

2005 Chapelle d’Ausone (St. Emilion): Deep purple color. Second wine of Chateau Ausone. Lots of cassis and blackberry as well as tar and mineral on the nose. A medium to full body composed of an elegant texture. Tannins are very present but ripe and well integrated. A superb offering for a second wine and a must buy, although very little was produced. 94-96 Pts – Shaun Bishop

2005 Chauvin (St. Emilion): 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Dark purple/black color transitions to a bright ruby rim. Cherry nose with light orange undertones followed by cool raspberry and slight hints of fresh mint. Has some grip up front swelling to a huge tannic body that is well matched by acid and fruit. Long raspberry finish. Should age very well. 92-94 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Cheval Blanc (St. Emilion): 55% Cabernet Franc, 45% Merlot. Opaque purple color. Beautiful sweet aromas of blackberries, blueberries, flowers with notes of minerals. The texture is voluptuous, with tannins that are round and silky. Full-bodied, it is an extremely elegant wine that is just-so perfectly balanced in every way. Seemingly endless finish. This is truly one of the finest young wines I have ever tasted. 99-100 Pts – Shaun Bishop

2005 Clos des Jacobins (St. Emilion): 70% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Franc, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon. Black/red with a ruby rim. Vegetal/leek overtones followed by sweet cherry aromas, sweet cocoa powder and hints of leather. A little bitter on the palate. The fruit never fills in very well. Finish of chewy candied cherry. 84-86 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Clos Fourtet (St. Emilion): 75% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc. Opaque purple color. Aromas of black fruits, roasted coffee and chocolate with notes of licorice and smoke, this is a terrific offering. Full-bodied and sumptuous with round tannins, it is beautifully textured wine that is sure to be a crowd pleaser. 93-95 Pts – Shaun Bishop

2005 Dassault (St. Emilion): Opaque purple color. Dark fruits, chocolate, and coffee on the nose followed by a moderate offering of tannins. Slightly one dimensional, but undeniably a very nice wine with plenty of elegance. This looks to be an exceptional year for Dassault and a terrific buy for the consumer. 90-92 Pts – Shaun Bishop

2005 Destieux (St. Emilion): 70% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. Purple/red hues with a ruby rim. Aged leather, red currant and sweet cherry aromas with slight hints of lavender. Flinty and light metallic qualities over cherry and bittersweet chocolate. Good tannins, fairly well integrated. Finishes a little bitter. 89-91 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Faugères (St. Emilion): 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Dark purple with a red flecked rim. Dark fruits, cassis, plum and blueberries on the nose with light floral hints of lilac and violet. Nice sweet, soft entry onto the palate of plums and cherry. Well integrated fine tannins. Long smooth cherry and spice finish. 91-93 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Figeac (St. Emilion): 33% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Cabernet Franc. Dark purple color. A nose of cassis, black currant and spices followed by a medium, finesse styled body with hints of licorice and tobacco. An elegant offering that is slightly underwhelming and lacks depth. Nevertheless, it’s a classy wine that will be approachable rather early. 90-92 Pts – Shaun Bsishop

2005 Fombrauge (St. Emilion): 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. From the proprietor of Pape Clement, Bernard Magrez. Opaque purple color. Beautiful jammy aromas of blueberries and blackberries as well as spices and sweet new oak. This plump offering is medium to full-bodied and very well balanced. Good fruit through the finish. 75-80% new oak. 91-93 Pts – Shaun Bishop



2003 Fonbel (St. Emilion): 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot. Inky purple color. Loads of ripe blackberries with notes of wet earth. Behind the full body are integrated tannins. Beautifully balanced wine that has a long finish. Owned by Alain Vauthier of Ausone. 92-94 Pts – Shaun Bishop

2005 Franc-Mayne (St. Emilion): 90% merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc. Opaque purple color. An appealing nose of jammy blackberries and cassis along with vanilla and toasty oak. Considerable weight and nice round tannins. Should be a terrific value. 90-92 Pts – Shaun Bishop

2005 Grand-Mayne (St. Emilion): 75% merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc. Gorgeous nose of ripe, dark fruits and plums. This is a full-bodied offering that is very extracted and almost over-the-top…in a good way. The tannins are nicely integrated. You’ll need to try this terrific effort. 94-96 Pts – Shaun Bishop

2003 Moulin St Georges (St. Emilion): Dark purple in color. Blackberries and raspberries, with notes of minerals. Slighly lean and one dimensional as well as a short finish. Owned by Alain Vauthier of Ausone. 84-86 Pts – Shaun Bishop

2005 La Clotte (St. Emilion): 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Dark red center with a violet flecked rim. Light gamy undertones to cool blueberry, spicy red cherry and hints of chorizo. Very fine tannins support the fruit through to the finish. Gets a little disjointed on the mid-palate. Finishes well. Hints of clove under bright cherry and cassis. 91-93 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 La Couspaude (St. Emilion): Opaque purple color. The nose has plentiful aromas of black fruits and coffee. Meduim body with tannins that at the moment are fairly astringent. 89-91 Pts – Shaun Bishop

2005 La Dominique (St. Emilion): 75% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc. Opaque purple color. Aromas of black fruits, cherries and new oak with notes of licorice. This is a jammy offering that borders on over-ripe that will provide great pleasure for quite some time. Great texture. 91-93 Pts – Shaun Bishop

2005 La Gaffeliere (St. Emilion): Opaque purple color. Aromas of black currants and cherries with notes of blueberry and subtle new oak. Strong tannins build on the mid-palate without overpowering the fruit. A very strong effort. 90-92 Pts – Shaun Bishop

2005 La Tour Figeac (St. Emilion): 70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc. This property is situated between Cheval Blanc and Figeac and is bio-dynamically farmed. Aromas of cassis, blackberry, and violet, it is a beautiful wine that has the structure and complexity to hang with the best. It boasts a full body with a finish that goes on and on. This is a home run. 96-98 Pts – Shaun Bishop

2005 Larcis Ducasse (St. Emilion): 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc. Made by Nicolas Thienpont and Stepahne Derenoncourt (as of 2002). Fresh aromas of black currants, cherries, and blue berries. This beauty has well integrated tannins and is round and lush. Superb concentration and a finish that lingers. Looks to be a spectacular find. 94-96 Pts – Shaun Bishop

2005 Le Prieure (St. Emilion): Dark purple color. Very intriguing floral nose of violets and dark cherries with notes of cedar. A real beauty that is medium to full-bodied with well integrated tannins. A little short on the finish, but overall a very nice wine to be enjoyed early. 90-92 Pts – Shaun Bishop

2005 l’Enclos (St. Emilion): 82% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Franc, 1% Pressac (Malbec). Bright red with hints of brick at the edges. Tomato notes on leathery cherry finishing with light aromatic petrol. Sweet raspberries on the palate over leather and green plum. Very strong tannins. 87-89 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Lusseau (St. Emilion): 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Dark black/purple with a warm ruby rim. Nose of vanilla, new oak and alcohol. Very soft, sweet raspberry entry onto the palate with liqueur undertones and cedar. Very extracted wine and big tannins. Great value. 91-93 Pts – Shaun Bishop

2005 Magrez Fombrauge (St. Emilion): 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc. From the owners of Pape Clement. Opaque purple color. Sweet aromas of dark berries, flowers, crème de cassis, and subtle notes of licorice. This is a lush, velvety wine with ripe tannins, made from meager yields of 22 hectoliters per hectare. Aged in 100% new oak. This beauty should be approachable early. 93-95 Pts – Shaun Bishop

2005 Monbousquet (St. Emilion): 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Thick, opulent dark black with a bright red rim. New oak aroma over intriguing steamed rice and soft cherry and cassis. Very smooth on the palate with fine round tannins in the mouth. Long, sweet, spicy cherry, vanilla and raspberry finish. This is a powerhouse with beautifully integrated tannins. 95-97 Pts – Shaun Bishop

2005 Monbousquet Blanc (St. Emilion): 60% Sauvignon Blanc, 35% Sauvignon Gris, 3% Semillon, 2% Muscadelle. Light yellow/gold color. Bright floral nose with hints of grassy herbaceousness over mango and hints of ripe banana. The banana is mirrored on the palate with citrus hints leading to a soft and smooth mouthfeel. Moderate acidity leads to a clean, crisp finish. 90-91 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Pavie (St. Emilion): 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Black center fades to purple with a bright ruby rim. Notes of flowers over mostly blueberry but also raspberry aromas, followed by hints of sweet strawberry and wet clay. Bright cherry fruit, milk chocolate and sweet tea balance well with the huge juicy tannins that pull at the teeth. Long spicy fruit finish. Excellent overall structure. This is a monster! 98-100 Pts – Shaun Bishop

2005 Pavie-Decesse (St. Emilion): 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc. Thick, rich dark red color with a purple/red rim. Blueberry syrup and mint on the nose with a hint of caramel. Sweet blueberry jam entry onto the palate. Soft at first, leading into huge but balanced tannins on the finish. Long lingering flavors of blueberry, vanilla oak, lavender and violet. A real beauty! 96-99 Pts – Shaun Bishop

2005 Pavie-Macquin (St. Emilion): 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc. Opaque purple color. Bio-dynamically farmed vineyard. Perfumed aromas of blackberries and cassis, with notes of espresso and vanilla oak. Juicy tannins support the fruit through to the long finish. Rich and opulent with beautiful elegance. The real deal. 97-100 Pts – Shaun Bishop

2005 Péby Faugères (St. Emilion): 100% Merlot. Bright, thick red color. Sweet chocolate and cherries with light undertones of wet tea leaves. Bright raspberry fruit on the front palate. Tannins build on the mid-palate with a surprisingly strong chewy finish. Hints of cinnamon. Fruit stays on top of the tannins well. 92-94 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Rochebelle (St. Emilion): 85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet France. Purple/red with a bright red rim. Very sweet nose: cherry kool-aid and a hint of eucalyptus. Sweet entry. Tannins grip fast and hard. Candied cherry finish. 86-88 Pts. – Mike Supple

2005 Sanctus du Château la Bienfaisance (St. Emilion): 70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc. Dark purple gradually turning to bright red/violet rim. Dusty chocolate, limestone, cherry and blackberry on the nose with slight hints of mint. Fairly astringent tannic structure hides the fruit on the palate. Very chewy with an acidic finish. 86-88 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Sansonnet (St. Emilion): 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Bright ruby with a rose rim. Cherry and mint aromas with a lightly earthy blackberry edge. Sweet plum entry fades quickly into an acidic tight tannic punch over muted raspberries on the finish. 87-89 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Troplong-Mondot (St. Emilion): Opaque purple color. Beautiful nose of dark fruits, cassis, roasted coffee, vanilla, and oak. Full-bodied, it is a massive offering that is very seductive and lush. The tannins are soft and well integrated. The finish is memorable. Should be approachable early but will also do well in the cellar. 94-96 Pts – Shaun Bishop

2005 Trottevieille (St. Emilion): Opaque purple color. Nose of sweet, dark fruits and toasty oak. Medium body that could use a bit more fruit. Nevertheless, appears to be a well-made wine with good structure and integrated tannin. 88-90 Pts – Shaun Bishop

2005 Valandraud (St. Emilion): Opaque purple color. Aromas of very dark berries and currants, espresso, chocolate, and subtle new oak. Plenty of power, complexity and structure as well as a thick texture. Moderately high tannins that are well integrated. This is a wine of great potential. 95-97 Pts – Shaun Bishop

St. Estephe:

2005 Calon Segur (St. Estephe): 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Cabernet Franc. Fresh black berries and cassis. Very powerful and complex wine also showing notes of cocoa. The possible drawback here are the very high and somewhat harsh tannins. This one will need time…maybe 10 years before you touch it. Nevertheless, overall this was a delicious wine. 90-92 Pts - Shaun Bishop

2005 Cos d’Estournel (St. Estephe): 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc. Very dark, inky purple all the way to the edge. Gorgeous spicy clove and pepper aroma over cherry, smoky leather and raspberry. Outstandingly well integrated, rich, juicy super-fine tannins. Rich and opulent with a long spicy plum and candied cherry finish. A possible wine of a lifetime. 98-100 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 La Dame de Montrose (St. Estephe): 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot. This is the second wine of Chateau Montrose. 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot. Dark purple color. Fresh dark fruits. Very good structure for a second wine. Notes of cherries and spice. Lots of lively but not obtrusive tannins. Very long, lingering smokey plum finish. Should be a great value. 90-92 Pts - Shaun Bishop

2005 Les Ormes de Pez (St. Estephe): 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 36% Merlot. Purple flecked with ruby all the way to the edge. Raspberry and blueberry fruit with a touch of mint and hints of toasted baguette on the nose. Intriguing orange and lemon notes over bright red cherry. Very chewy yet integrated tannins. Long orange zest finish. Nice wine, but will the consumer appreciate the unique character of this wine? 89-91 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Les Pagodes de Cos (St. Estephe): 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 50% Merlot. Readers need to take note of this wine – the second wine of Cos d’Estournel. Aromas of cassis, tobacco and coffee – even a touch of cinnamon. Flavors of gamey meat and white pepper. Very unique…in a good way. Aged in 40% new barrels. Very nice tannic structure. This is an outstanding wine that will be well worth your money and should be purchased without a second thought. 93-95 Pts - Shaun Bishop

2005 Marbuzet (St. Estephe): Owned and produced by Cos d’Estornel. 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot. Dark purple fading only slightly at the edges. Smoky vegetal nose over graphite, cherry and hints of sulphur. Softer on the palate than the Pagodes, with well integrated tannins. Lacks a bit of complexity. Toasted caramel laced cherry finish. 88-90 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Montrose (St. Estephe): 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 3.5% Cabernet Franc, and 0.5% Petit Verdot. Black/purple in color. Aromas of perfume, violets, and lavender. Very complex wine with a long aftertaste. Cassis and vanilla on the palate. The tannins are abundant and sharp, so be forewarned, this will need some time but will probably last for 50 years. Nevertheless, a great wine that merits your attention that appears to be one of the top wines in St Estephe. 95-97 Pts - Shaun Bishop

St. Julien


2005 Branaire-Ducru (St. Julien): 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot. Thick red/purple wine with a bright ruby rim. Candied cherries on the nose with black currant undertones and hints of fresh mint. Huge tannins, making this a big chewy wine. Fresh cherries and candied raspberries fill the palate over hints of toasty oak. 90-92 Pts – Mike Supple

2004 Branaire-Ducru (St. Julien): 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot. Bright red hue with hints of brick. Leather and tobacco on the nose over lilac, floral notes and spicy clove. Very floral on the palate too. Much softer, developed tannins than the ’05. The finish is a little softer and shorter. 87-88 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Clos du Marquis (St. Julien): 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot. Opaque purple color. Nice fresh black fruit, graphite, and minerals on the nose. Medium body, good structure, and abundant quantities of ripe tannins that feel a bit angular and austere. Lay down for a few years. 84-86 Pts – Shaun Bishop

2005 Croix de Beaucaillou (St. Julien): 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot. Second wine of Ducru Beaucaillou. Dark purple core with a violet rim. Creamy caramel nose full of raspberries and spicy cinnamon. Bright fresh fruit on the front of the palate. Complex and finishes with powerful and slightly astringent tannins that will require a bit of time to mellow. 90-92 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Ducru-Beacaillou (St. Julien): 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot. This is a bit more merlot than usual. Dark, almost black, red fading to a bright violet rim. Interesting nose of sweet red currant, fig, starfruit, plum and raspberry. Beautiful red raspberry entry onto the palate with candied cherries, hints of sweet oak and a long spicy finish. Huge, ripe tannins and a big, bold mouthfeel. Will be aged for 18 months in 87% new oak. Built to last. 95-97 Pts – Mike Supple

2003 Duluc (St. Julien): Bright red turning thin and watery on the rim. Almost smoked jerky and gamy quality to the nose over bright cherry. Easy smooth cherry entry onto the palate that changes to a strong tannic finish over thin fruit. 85-86 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Laland-Borie (St. Julien): 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc. Light purple with a ruby flecked rim. Bright raspberry, green figs and cassis on the nose. Strong tannins on the palate, yet rich and full of fruit with hints of smooth vanilla. Nicely done! 89-92 Pts – Mike Supple

2004 Langoa Barton (St. Julien): Dark bright purple color fades to light violet on the rim. Ripe plum and sweet milk chocolate on the nose. Tannins are very present and dry on the palate, but seem to be falling in to place well. A nice dusty chocolate flavor pervades over the fruit. Hints of alcohol on the finish. 88-90 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Langoa Barton (St. Julien): An almost black, rich dark violet/purple goes all the way to the edge. Caramel, cassis, vanilla cake, raisin and plum on the nose. Very tannic, yet they are well integrated and soft. Rich candied cherries on the palate. 90-92 Pts – Mike Supple

1986 Léoville Barton (St. Julien): [Tasted at lunch] Dark brick red with amber hints. An interesting nose full of dried tobacco and rich red raspberry. Smoky fruit on the front of the palate with a lovely, long Earl Grey Tea finish. 90 Pts – Mike Supple

2000 Léoville Barton (St. Julien): [Tasted at lunch] Clear, brick red wine. Rich stewed fruit on the nose with hints of green pepper, smoky leather, plum and blackberry. On the palate the wine is stewey yet opulent. Bright leathery cherry with hints of alcohol. Still in its infancy. 94 – Mike Supple

2004 Léoville Barton (St. Julien): Bright purple color stays strong to the rim. Dusty rose and bittersweet chocolate on the nose over hints of green vegetation and sweet black cherry. A much bigger wine than the Langoa ’04. Tannins are very well integrated. Bright raspberry, blueberry and toasted vanilla on the palate. 92-93 Pts – Mike Supple

2005 Léoville Barton (St. Julien): Extremely dark, thick, inky purple color. Cassis and black fruit. Notes of coffee, chocolate as well as a slight perfume of roses and eucalyptus. Huge, ripe, juicy tannins, this is a very balanced wine with a nice, very long finish. Not overdone. 95-98 Pts - Shaun Bishop

2005 Leoville Las Cases (St. Julien): 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc. Black purple color. Blackberry, cassis, graphite, and lead pencil on the nose with notes of new smoky oak. Medium to full-bodied, this wine is very primary and backward. Lots of chewy tannins that will require cellaring. Great length to the finish. 36% of production went into the Grand Vin. 95-97 Pts – Shaun Bishop

2005 Talbot (St. Julien): Very dark with a tiny violet rim. Incredibly thick in the glass. Brown sugar toast over cinnamon on the nose, finishing with a lingering yeasty aroma. Fresh strawberry notes on the palate over hints of fresh green herbs. Nice tannic bite. Fairly well balanced, although it finishes a little hot. 89-91 Pts – Mike Supple