One of the strongest efforts I have ever tasted from Alain Vauthier, his small St.-Emilion estate, Moulin Saint-Georges, has turned in a gorgeous 2005 with an opaque purple color and a sweet nose of blueberry and black raspberry fruit along with spring flowers. Rich, full-bodied, and still moderately tannic, this is a wonderful sleeper of the vintage and a wine capable of further evolution for at least another 10-15+ years.

The second most well-known estate of perfectionist proprietor Alain Vauthier (the best-known is Ausone), the inky/purple-tinged 2005 Moulin-St.-Georges offers sumptuously sweet aromas of candied cassis, crushed rocks, flowers, and incense. Intense, full-bodied, and deep, with fabulous purity, texture, and freshness as well as a 40+ second finish, this may be the finest Moulin-St.-Georges Vauthier has yet produced. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2025.

Good deep red-ruby. Very ripe aromas of currant, licorice and minerals. Broad, fresh and mouthcoating, with a juicy quality to the dark fruit, minerals and sweet oak flavors. Finishes broad, with lovely floral persistence. Not especially complex yet but offers a light touch and excellent energy for the vintage.