This is much better than my previous encounter when it was served blind. Even though it is surpassed by the 2009, the 2005 has a very introverted bouquet with baked black cherry, soy and a little marmalade. The palate is medium-bodied with a crisp red cherry and balsamic tinged entry. It has nice length but is very tight and unresponsive on the finish that shows a touch of hardness. On this occasion, the 2009 has the upper hand. Tasted December 2012.

– eRobertParker.com, Jul 2013

Full medium ruby. Liqueur-like cherry, bitter chocolate, violet and licorice on the nose. Suave on entry, then highly concentrated, high-pitched and fresh, with brisk, ripe acidity intensifying the dark fruit, bitter chocolate and mineral flavors. Very clean, firm-edged wine with superb inner-palate energy. The serious tannins avoid coming off as hard. Strong juice, with the structure and minerality for long aging.

While no one will confuse the 2005 with this estate’s prodigious 1990, it is an outstanding effort from one of St.-Emilion’s finest terroirs. In terms of potential, the vineyard is exceeded only by Ausone, Pavie and Belair for micro-climate and exposition. A beautiful dark ruby/purple color is accompanied by an ethereal nose of blueberry liqueur, spring flowers, melted licorice, raspberries, and crushed rocks. Medium-bodied with good acidity, sweet but high tannin, a broad mouthfeel, and admirable elegance as well as freshness, this beauty should age easily for 25+ years. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2035.

Robert Parker (Wine Advocate #176, Apr 2008)

Tasted blind. Bright healthy crimson. Very creamy, flattering nose with good integration already. Very 2005 in terms of tannic charge. The fruit is not as intense as in some examples. But it’s a very classic style. (JR)