Still youthfully ruby/plum-hued with very little in the way of bricking, the 2005 Château La Fleur-Petrus has a gorgeous perfume of red and black fruits that give way to more spicy, floral, leather, and mineral nuances with time in the glass. Ripe, medium to full-bodied, and expansive on the palate, it has still-present, velvety tannins, a layered, mouthcoating texture, and a brilliant finish. Straight-up delicious, this ripe, sexy, oh, so satisfying Pomerol can be drunk any time over the coming 15-20 years with incredible pleasure.

A brick house, with a strong ganache, charcoal and roasted alder spine that remains the dominant feature for now, though there's ample black currant, plum and raspberry fruit in reserve. Offers a muscular yet racy finish, thanks to a beautiful graphite note that drives through. Though unlikely to surpass them, this will nonetheless give '09 and '10 a run for their money.—Non-blind La Fleur-Pétrus vertical (December 2015). JM

A beautiful nose of subtle balance. Minerals, stones, raspberries, and plums. The nose has harmony. Full bodied and compacted, this brings a powerful palate and a great deal of finesse to the glass. Incredible purity of fruit, ripe berries, and notes of licorice. Overall this wine is bright and needs 8 to 12 years. Find the wine

Served at a mini-vertical at the chateau, the 2005 La Fleur-Petrus has a glorious bouquet with intense red and black fruit, black truffle, dried petals, a touch of cured meat – like popping into a Tuscan delicatessen with the floor sprinkled in sawdust. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins and very good weight. It is almost understated on the entry, with a fine thread of acidity. There are notes of spicebox, white pepper and ever a faint hint of red pepper towards the finish that is long and graceful – the kind of wine you really desire to linger in the mouth and choose not to outstay its welcome. Drink 2016-2030. Tasted June 2013.

Bright full red. Complex, subtle aromas of red fruits, pungent minerals, flowers, licorice and fresh herbs. Sweet, dense and nicely focused, with a sappy, medicinal quality to the dark fruit and mineral flavors. Finishes broad and vibrant if a bit youthfully wound up. This is built to age.

Abundant sweet cherry and truffle, new saddle leather and spice box notes are present in this medium to full-bodied, supple-textured, silky Pomerol. It is less concentrated than some of the big boys such as Gazin, Le Gay, L’Evangile and Certan de May, but it is an elegant, finesse style of wine to drink over the next 10-15 years.

Good ruby-red. Ripe, slightly wild aromas of black cherry, iron, mocha, leather and meat. Dense, sweet and concentrated, with a high pitch to the intense black cherry, menthol, dark chocolate and licorice flavors. A bit clenched and austere today owing to the combination of fresh acids, supporting minerality and substantial broad tannins, but this has the intensity, balance and structure to reward a decade of cellaring. Quintessential stylish Pomerol, but with the added spine of the vintage.

Fresh, dense and electric nose. Very flattering and powerful. Complete and flattering. A little dry on the finish but very serious wine. Opulent and velvety. And polished.