A well-known and consistent wine from the estate of Christian Dauriac, this big, plump, opulent 2005 is one of the best wines I have ever tasted from this estate. It is full-bodied and multi-dimensional, with a big, juicy texture and loads of plum, blackcurrant, spicy oak and minerality. Full and rich, with the tannins just beginning to show some resolution and better integration, this is a big-time sleeper of the vintage that should drink well for another 15-20 years.

Kudos to proprietor Christian Dauriac (and consultant Michel Rolland) for this outstanding effort as well as for Destieux’s recent upgrade to a Grand Cru Classe in the most recent classification of St.-Emilions (suspended in March, 2007 because of litigation). From a 45-year-old vineyard in St.-Hippolyte planted with 66% Merlot and equal parts Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon (an atypically high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon), the 2005 achieved 14.5% natural alcohol. The rusticity of older vintages has been tamed, and the result is a full-bodied, powerful, muscular, concentrated, intense St.-Emilion offering a dense ruby/purple color as well as loads of espresso roast, roasted meat, sweet cassis, and subtle herbal characteristics. This full-throttle blockbuster possesses impressive purity and density. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022. (92-94)

Very pretty mineral, blackberry and light vanilla aromas follow through to a full body, with supervelvety tannins and a long aftertaste of ripe fruit and cream. James Suckling

Tasted at BBR’s 2005/2009 tasting in London. The nose on the Destieux ’05 is brimming over with ripe red-berried fruit mixed with dried herbs, crushed strawberry and a touch of orange essence. The palate is medium-bodied with a saline entry, good acidity and depth, fresh and lithe towards the finish with raspberry leaf, tobacco and a touch of spice. This is a highly enjoyable Saint Emilion for mid-term drinking. Tasted July 2011.

Full ruby-red. Aromas of blackberry coulis, violet and bitter chocolate, complicated by smoky, toasty oak. Sweet, lush and ripe, with good depth to the black cherry and smoky oak flavors. Broad and mouthfilling. Finishes with dusty, sweet tannins that reach the front teeth. A very strong effort for this property. (I found the '06 lean and tart by comparison, in need of more sweetness and stuffing.)