From the Comte von Neipperg, his wines from this over-achieving estate always deliver an aromatic fireworks display of cedar wood, Christmas fruitcake, roasted herbs, black olive, cassis and sweet kirsch. The 2005 has all that as well as ripe, well-integrated, velvety tannin, and full body in a sexy, luscious, heady style to drink now and over the next 10-15 years.

Bright ruby-red. Fruit-driven aromas of black raspberry, roasted coffee and chocolate, lifted by a violet perfume. Dense and thick but also juicy and light on its feet. Lively acids really frame the wine's fruit and prolong the finish. The tannins are broad and fine. I like this style. The cabernet franc here was picked on October 10.

Sweet dark fruit – prune-like sweetness but still fruit is intense and pure even if pretty ripe. Again, very pure fruit in the middle and fresher than on the nose. Good freshness and tannins are fine and well balanced. (JH)