2nd wine of Ch. Palmer
502435   (XD)    750 mL 
$67.45 per btl    $202.35 per 3-btl. lot

689166   (XD)     1500 mL
$134.85 per btl  

WS: 89-91     JR: 16.5     TW: 9.2   SME: 4

TASTING NOTE: Big and juicy with loads of blackberry and chocolate character. Full-bodied, velvety and long. This is almost New World in style. Serious. Voluptuous. 92-94?
Score - (89-91). (Wine Spectator, June 30, 2006 )  

3e Cru
502815   (XD)    750 mL
$63.50 per btl    $190.50 per 3-btl. lot
     
RP: 91-93     WS: 92-94     JR: 16     TW: 9.1   SME: 4

TASTING NOTE: Lots of blackberry, spice, tar and licorice. Full-bodied, thick and rich. This is very dense. Pure fruit. Best ever from here. Score - (92-94). (Wine Spectator, June 30, 2006)

2e Cru
503532   (XD)    750 mL
$83.30 per btl    $249.90 per 3-btl. lot
     
RP: 93-95    WS: 89-91     JR: 15     TW: 9.0   SME: 4.5

NEW
TASTING NOTE: A magnificent effort, the 2005 is the greatest Brane-Cantenac I have tasted. Even more compelling than it was last year, it admirably demonstrates why this was such a highly regarded property in the middle of the 19th century. Boasting a dense purple color, stunning sweetness, and a glorious perfume of spring flowers, lead pencil shavings, black cherry jam, and blackberries, it is an elegantly styled wine with gorgeous concentration, superb harmony, beautifully integrated tannin and acidity, and an expansive, long finish. Yet, the overall impression is one of finesse, elegance, and serious flavor concentration. While it will undoubtedly last 30 years or more, it is hard to know whether it will close down or become more drinkable. I recommend giving it 3-4 years of bottle age and drinking it over the following two and a half decades.  Score - (93-95). (Robert Parker, April 2007)

PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED
TASTING NOTE: This dark plum/ruby-tinged Margaux displays a rich bouquet of dried herbs, truffles, meat juices, plums, anise, and black currants. Medium to full-bodied and complex, with a savory, broad, expansive mouthfeel, undeniable elegance, good freshness, and a long, moderately tannic finish, it requires 3-4 years of bottle age (or more if it closes down). It should evolve gracefully for 25+ years. Score - (91-93). (RP)

3e Cru
503201   (XD)    750 mL
$55.55 per btl    $166.65 per 3-btl. lot
     
RP: 87-88    WS: 89-91     JR: 16.5     TW: 8.9   SME: 4+

TASTING NOTE: Blackberry, licorice and spice. Medium- to full-bodied, with fine tannins and a berry, fresh herb undertone.  Score - (89-91). (Wine Spectator, June 30, 2006 )

Cru Bourgeois Supérieur
500363   (XD)    750 mL
$38.70 per btl    $116.10 per 3-btl. lot
     
RP: 90-92     WS: 89-91     JR: 16

NEW
TASTING NOTE: A sleeper of the vintage, d'Angludet's 2005 displays sweet cassis fruit intermixed with licorice, charcoal, truffles, and loamy, earthy notes. Supple tannin, explosive fruit richness, outstanding ripeness, freshness, purity, texture, and length suggest this beauty should be enjoyed during its first 15+ years of life.  Score - (90-92). (Robert Parker, April 2007)

PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED
TASTING NOTE: I don't believe I have ever tasted a better d'Angludet than this 2005. It reveals an inky/black/purple hue as well as an explosive bouquet of road tar, blackberries, cassis, underbrush, and forest floor characteristics. Medium to full-bodied with sweet tannin, copious glycerin, and a heady finish, it is a sumptuous, atypically forward 2005 to consume during its first 12-15 years of life. Score - (90-92). (RP)

Cru Bourgeois Supérieur
500660   (XD)    750 mL
$28.80 per btl    $86.40 per 3-btl. lot
     
RP: 88-89

NEW
TASTING NOTE: This lovely, deep ruby/purple-hued 2005 reveals a sweet perfume of black currants, cherries, roasted herbs, and licorice. Possessing good texture, flesh, purity, and length, this tasty, seductive Margaux should drink nicely for 10-12 years. A sleeper.
Score - (88-89). (Robert Parker, April 2007)

PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED
TASTING NOTE: Space limitations did not allow complete tasting notes for this Cru Bourgeois, but 2005 is the finest vintage for these wines since 1982. The range of scores for these wines should give readers an idea of just how consistent this vintage is at this level. Given the style of the vintage, most of these wines should be accessible young yet evolve for a decade or more because of their concentration and tannic structure. Score - (87-88). (RP)

3e Cru
504860   (XD)    750 mL
$84.30 per btl    $252.90 per 3-btl. lot
     
RP: 92-94    WS: 89-91     JR: 17.5     TW: 9.1   SME: 4

TASTING NOTE: While some octogenarians may argue that 1900 is better, this is the finest d'Issan I have ever tasted. The 2005 boasts a deep plum/ruby color as well as a beautiful projected bouquet of flowers, licorice, sweet currants, plums, cherries, and smoke. There is lovely purity in the mouth as well as an etched, precise character, stunning concentration, decent acidity, and an impressive finish that lasts nearly 45 seconds. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2025+.  Score - (92-94). (Robert Parker, April 2006)  

5e Cru
503482   (XD)    750 mL   
$51.60 per btl    $154.80 per 3-btl. lot
     
RP: 89-90?    WS: 92-94     JR: 16.5     SME: 4

TASTING NOTE: Wonderful aromas of currants, raspberries and Indian spices. Full-bodied, with ultrafine tannins and a long, long finish. Very, very pretty. Best ever from here.
Score - (92-94). (Wine Spectator, June 30, 2006 )

3e Cru
501148   (XD)    750 mL
$39.70 per btl    $119.10 per 3-btl. lot
     
TW: 9.0   SME: 4.5

TASTING NOTE: Now this I really like. A deep black hue. The nose is very fresh and vigorous, almost Pomerol like in style. Black fruits, wet sand and a touch of steaming coffee. Well-balanced palate, quite toasty but with excellent acidity and balance. Excellent.  Score - 21 (out of 25). (Neal Martin, www.winejournal.com, April 2006)

5e Cru
502831   (XD)    750 mL
$55.55 per btl    $166.65 per 3-btl. lot
     
RP: 91-93     WS: 85-88     JR: 17     TW: 9.1

NEW
TASTING NOTE: A beautiful Margaux made in a flashy, flamboyant style, Du Tertre will repay earlier drinking than many of the big 2005 Medocs. It exhibits a dark saturated purple color, beautiful aromas of licorice-infused blackberries and black currants, sweet truffles, incense, and barbecue spices, an expansive, savory, medium to full-bodied personality with tremendous opulence as well as sweetness, and a heady, fleshy finish. This hedonist 2005 should be at its finest between 2010-2025.  Score - (91-93). (Robert Parker, April 2007)

PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED
TASTING NOTE: A terrific, fruit-forward Margaux offering wonderful smoky, melted licorice, chocolate, espresso, creme de cassis, and wild mountain berry notes, the 2005 Du Tertre possesses a dense purple color, medium to full body, superb purity, a sweet, expansive texture, and surprisingly silky, but lofty tannins. This brilliant wine should be at its best between 2008-2020. Score - (91-94). (RP)

2e Cru
502880   (XD)    750 mL
$54.55 per btl    $163.65 per 3-btl. lot
     
WS: 85-88   JR: 16-   DEC: ****   TW: 9.0   SME: 3.5

NEW
Score - (16). (JR)

PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED
TASTING NOTE : Black-red, really fine natural concentration, slightly smoky, tobacco-leaf nose, even a touch of iron, flavours already complex, masses of energy and grip alongside the deeply fragrant fruit. Drink 2010-25. Score - (****). (DEC)

3e Cru
503565   (XD)    750 mL
$88.25 per btl    $264.75 per 3-btl. lot
     
RP: 91-94    WS: 92-94     JR: 17     TW: 9.1   SME: 4

TASTING NOTE: Very big and juicy, with fabulous berry, chocolate and currant character. Full and round. Long. This could be the best Giscours of all time. (WS)  Score - (92-94). (Wine Spectator, June 30, 2006 )

3e Cru
503466   (XD)    750 mL   
$78.35 per btl    $235.05 per 3-btl. lot
     
RP: 91-94    WS: 92-94     JR: 15.5     SME: 3.5

NEW
TASTING NOTE: I like the mineral, lead pencil and berry aromas to this. Full-bodied, very silky and refined. Long finish. Compact and tight, with lovely structure. (WS)  Score - (92-94). (Wine Spectator, June 30, 2006 )

PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED
TASTING NOTE: Here we go again! This extraordinary wine is the greatest Kirwan made since some of the estate's historic offerings of the mid-1800s. An inky/black/purple color accompanies a gorgeous perfume of incense, creme de cassis, licorice, and subtle wood. It boasts thrilling levels of richness, full body, layers of concentration, high glycerin as well as tannin, and a fabulous 60-second finish. This compelling effort possesses 50 or more years of aging potential. Kudos to Sophie Schyler, the charming proprietress who gave such a graceful performance while under attack in the disingenuous movie Mondovino. The 2005 Kirwan will be at its finest between 2014-2050+. Score - (93-95). (RP)

500595   (XD)    750 mL
$33.75 per btl    $101.25 per 3-btl. lot
     
WS: 89-91

TASTING NOTE: Exotic aromas of blackberries, currants and lightly toasted oak. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and a long finish. Lovely texture. Very well done for here.  Score - (89-91). (Wine Spectator, June 30, 2006 )     

Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel
500835   (XD)    750 mL
$41.65 per btl    $126.00 per 3-btl. lot
     
RP: 87-89    WS: 89-91     JR: 16.5

TASTING NOTE: Fabulous aromas of crushed raspberries and violets. Full-bodied, with very silky tannins and a long finish. Refined. Could be another 2000 in the making.
Score - (89-91). (Wine Spectator, June 30, 2006 )     

2e Cru
504944   (XD)    750 mL
$118.00 per btl    $354.00 per 3-btl. lot
     
RP: 94-96     WS: 92-94     JR: 15     TW: 9.1   SME: 4.5

NEW
TASTING NOTE: Lascombes is again being offered for sale, but kudos to the most recent ownership that has returned this estate to its rightful place as one of the top wines of Margaux. This was quickly accomplished by implementing a draconian selection in the vineyard, and investing in the winery. The stunning 2005, a blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot, boasts aromas of lead pencil shavings, incense, charcoal, spring flowers, blackberries, cherries, and espresso roast. A pure, fresh, full-bodied palate reveals moderate sweet tannin, a sensational, lush texture, and a blockbuster finish, but they do not compromise the floral elegance of the Margaux appellation. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2035.  Score - (94-96).  (Robert Parker, April 2007)

PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED
TASTING NOTE: The most profound Lascombes produced under the new ownership, the 2005 is a 25,000-case blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, and 3% Petit Verdot. It boasts an inky/blue/purple color in addition to an extraordinary perfume of charcoal, barbecue smoke, grilled meats, and sweet blackberries, cherries, and violets. With tremendous intensity, purity, freshness, definition, palate presence, and a moderately tannic finish (the tannin is sweet and well-integrated), this blockbuster is rich and concentrated yet maintains its Margaux typicity. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2030. Score - (94-96). (RP)

3e Cru
503433   (XD)    750 mL
$94.20 per btl    $282.60 per 3-btl. lot
     
RP: 93-95     WS: 95-100     JR: 16.5+?     TW: 9.5   SME: 4


TASTING NOTE: Dark-colored, with showy aromas of ripe berries, currants and raspberries with hints of violets. Incredible nose. Full-bodied, with ultra-elegant tannins that go on and on. A fabulous wine, with the finesse and class of a great Burgundy and the power and style of Bordeaux. This is the best wine ever from here.  Score - (95-100).  (Wine Spectator, June 30, 2006 )  

1^er Cru
506451   (XD)    750 mL    
$986.60 per btl    $2,959.80 per 3-btl. lot

689398   (XD)     1500 mL  
$1,997.95 per btl

689406    (XD)     3000 mL     
$4,015.70 per btl

RP: 98-100     WS: 95-100     JR: 19.5     TW: 10.0   SME: 4.5

NEW
TASTING NOTE: A fabulous effort, the dense purple-tinged 2005 Margaux (85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot) possesses an ethereal lightness reminiscent of the 1996 Margaux and 2005 Lafite-Rothschild. Beautiful aromas of flowers as well as blue and black fruits, silky tannin, full-bodied power, laser-like precision, and superb purity and length are found in this wine of extraordinary integrity and class. While it is one of the few 2005 first-growths that will be approachable within a decade, it should prove to be uncommonly long-lived (even by Bordeaux standards), lasting 50-60+ years.  Score - (98-100).  (Robert Parker, April 2007)

PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED
TASTING NOTE: This is another superb vintage from this grand dame estate. Administrator Paul Pontallier has overseen the production of so many great Margaux, it is senseless to say 2005 is better than all its predecessors, but it is an extraordinary effort. A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot, it is a gorgeously pure, intense, deep purple/ruby-tinged effort offering exquisite, surprisingly nuanced and complex aromatics for such a young Chateau Margaux. The mouthfeel is one of opulence, silk, purity, full-bodied concentration, terrific intensity, unbelievable freshness and vibrancy, and sweet tannin. The tannin levels are the highest ever measured at this estate, but the alcohol is only around 13%, not particularly high by this vintage's standards. Yields were 43 hectoliters per hectare. This powerful effort is built along the lines of the 1996, but is seemingly even more impressive, layered, and potentially grand. It is a candidate for 50+ years of evolution. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2060+. Score - (96-100). (RP)

Marquis-d'Alesme-Becker
500264   (XD)    750 mL
$41.65 per btl    $124.95 per 3-btl. lot
     
RP: 84-86     WS: 92-94     JR: 17     SME: 3

TASTING NOTE: A wine with beautiful fruit and refined tannins. Full-bodied and very silky, with a wonderful length. Very classy. Score - (92-94).  (Wine Spectator, June 30, 2006 )    

3e Cru
504738   (XD)    750 mL   
$381.75 per btl    $1,145.25 per 3-btl. lot

510503   (XD)     1500 mL
$762.50 per btl

510511     (XD)     3000 mL      
$1,585.50 per btl
 
RP: 94-96     WS: 95-100     JR: 17.5+     TW: 9.5+   SME: 4.5

TASTING NOTE: Opulent and flamboyant are the two words that come to mind with this wine. Aromas of blackberries, dark chocolate and toasted oak follow through to a full-bodied palate, with big, chewy tannins (yet they are refined and silky) and a long, long finish. This is a full-throttle Palmer. Superripe and delicious.  Score - (95-100).  (Wine Spectator, June 30, 2006 )

4e Cru
502518   (XD)    750 mL
$68.45 per btl    $205.35 per 3-btl. lot

689331   (XD)    1500 mL
$137.85 per btl     

RP: 90-92    WS: 89-91     JR: 17+     TW: 9.0   SME: 4

NEW
TASTING NOTE: Significant improvements are noticeable at this Margaux property now that Stephane Derenoncourt is the winemaking consultant. The 2005, perhaps the finest effort from this estate since the mid-sixties, boasts a deep ruby/purple color along with a sweet nose of cola, black cherries, cedar, and forest floor. Opulent with ripe tannin, a precocious mouthfeel (an anomaly for this vintage), and wonderful purity and lusciousness, it should be consumed during its first 15 years of life.  Score - (90-92).  (Robert Parker, April 2007) 

PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED
TASTING NOTE: Even considering some of the great vintages produced under the late Alexis Lichine, this estate has never made a wine as impressive as their 2005. Consultant Stephane Derenoncourt is obviously realizing this vineyard's full potential. The deep ruby/purple color is accompanied by an open-knit, exotic bouquet of spice, incense, flowers, and sweet black cherries and blackberries. Rich and opulent, with ripe tannin, a savory, voluminous mouthfeel, and wonderful definition as well as elegance, this gorgeous wine is a tour de force for Prieure-Lichine. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2025. Score - (91-94). (RP)

PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED
TASTING NOTE: I know I sound like a broken record, but here is another estate that may have produced its finest wine ... ever. Rauzan Gassies rarely merits a 90-point or higher score, but their 2005 is a beautifully pure, structured, multi-textured cuvee boasting an inky/purple color as well as a sweet perfume of camphor, black currants, vitamins, and iron. This pure, rich, moderately tannic, long Margaux will be at its peak between 2009-2025. Score - (90-93). (RP)

PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED
TASTING NOTE: Always a serious vin de garde that requires considerable patience, Batailley's 2005 may be their finest effort in the last forty years. An inky/ruby/purple color is accompanied by classic aromas of black currants, flowers, licorice, and spice box. With huge tannin, medium to full body, impressive concentration, and good depth, it will be drinkable between 2013-2030. Score - (90-92). (RP)

PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED
TASTING NOTE: This sleeper of the vintage is as stunning as Grand-Puy-Ducasse's 2003. The deep purple-tinged 2005 possesses wonderful notes of sweet cherries, creme de cassis, smoke, creamy oak, and spice box. The sizeable tannins are well-concealed by the wine's abundant glycerin, extract, and fruit. A beauty, it should be at its best between 2010-2020. Score - (89-91). (RP)

PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED
TASTING NOTE: Aromas of berries and spices follow through to a full body, fine tannins and a chewy finish. Tight and reserved but shows lovely potential. Layered and refined. Very beautiful. Perhaps better than 2000. Score - (92-94). (WS)

PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED
TASTING NOTE : The colossal 2005 Latour (44% of the total production) is a wine for the ages. A blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot, it possesses the highest alcohol of recent vintages. Different both structurally and texturally from the extraordinary 2003 (which I tend to prefer, although Frederic Engerer clearly disagrees), the black/purple-hued 2005 exhibits high tannin, prodigious concentration, unbelievable purity, amazing freshness and vibrancy, and almost surreal definition and nuances for such a young wine. It is a huge, fresh, backward yet incredibly pure effort that represents a modern day classic, but don't expect the opulence and exotic sweetness of the 2003. It will close down after bottling, and require at least a decade of cellaring before consuming. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2050+. Score - (98-100). (RP)

2nd wine of Ch. Mouton Rothschild
506121   (XD)    750 mL
$118.00 per btl    $354.00 per 3-btl. lot      

689620    (XD)   1500 mL
$237.00  per btl

RP: 88-92     WS: 89-91     JR: 17     TW: 9.1   SME: 4.5

NEW
Score - (89-91). (Wine Spectator, June 30, 2006 )

PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED
TASTING NOTE : Very deep crimson with purple notes. Very savoury nose with elements of beef tea. Very fresh and yet with real spine. Great oak - great quality. Fades a little on the finish but obviously top quality elevage. (Second wine of Mouton Rothschild.) Drink 2015-25. Score - (17). (JR)

5^e Cru
504365   (XD)    750 mL      
$127.95 per btl    $383.85 per 3-btl. lot

510453   (XD)    1500 mL
$256.85 per btl

510461   (XD)    3000 mL    
$544.35 per btl     

RP: 90-92     WS: 92-94     JR: 17.5     TW: 9.4   SME: 4.5+

TASTING NOTE: Currant, blackberry, cherry and hints of licorice. Full-bodied, with silky and refined tannins and a fresh finish. This is racy and pretty. Very refined. Very structured. Score - (92-94). (Wine Spectator, June 30, 2006)

$6,939.70

PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED
TASTING NOTE:The 2005 Mouton-Rothschild (a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, and 1% Cabernet Franc) tips the scales at 13.2% alcohol, one of the highest percentages ever achieved at this estate. It does not possess the power or awesome depth of the 1986 or 1982, but it may represent a modern-day clone of the 1955. A tannic, backward, concentrated, powerful Mouton built for the ages, it will require 10-15 years to reach its full potential. An inky/blue/purple color is accompanied by classic notes of creme de cassis and smoke, but no trace of new oak. That in itself is a good indication of how rich and concentrated this wine must be to have absorbed all its oak at this stage of its evolution. One might also term it 1996-like in style given its fresh acidity and bright personality. Medium to full-bodied, impeccably elegant, powerful yet subtle and reticent at present, it will be extremely long-lived. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2050+. Score - (94-96). ( RP)

PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED
TASTING NOTE: Yield of 35 hectoliters per hectare and a final blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Franc have produced a black/purple-colored 2005 boasting gorgeous intensity as well as sweet, classic creme de cassis notes interwoven with incense, camphor, and graphite. Powerful and full-bodied with abundant glycerin, high tannin, endearing freshness and sweetness, and a long, 45-second finish, this hefty (13.6% alcohol) Pauillac should be at its finest between 2012-2030+. Score - (92-95+). (RP)

PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED
TASTING NOTE: Absolutely spectacular, Pontet-Canet's 2005 receives the full attention of dedicated proprietor Alfred Tesseron. Produced from yields of 35 hectoliters per hectare (25% less wine than in 2004), it is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot. The first vintage vinified in tiny cement cuves with pigeage for some lots, this wine will have 40-50 years of longevity, and should turn out to be the greatest Pontet-Canet since such ancient classics as 1961, 1945, and 1929. It boasts an inky/purple color as well as pure creme de cassis aromas, first-growth nobility and raciness, massive body, tannin, and extract, and a finish that lasts nearly a minute. With extraordinary purity and density, it is unapproachable at present, and is best cellared until 2012, and drunk over the following 50 years. Score - (94-96). (RP)

PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED
TASTING NOTE: Alain Raynaud is now the winemaking consultant for all of the Garcin family's wines (Haut-Bergey and Clos l'Eglise in Pomerol, Barde-Haut in St.-Emilion, and Branon, a garagiste cuvee from Pessac-Leognan). The 2005 is the finest effort from Branon since 2000. An inky/purple color is followed by aromas of smoke, truffles, earth, camphor, blueberries, and blackberries. A wine of tremendous ripeness, full-bodied power, layers of extract, high tannin, and crisp acidity, it is a classic claret. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2028. Score - (92-95). (RP)

Cru Classé
502385   (XD)    750 mL
$46.65 per btl    $139.95 per 3-btl. lot      

RP: 91-93   WS: 85-88   JR: 16     TW: 9.1   SME: 4

NEW
TASTING NOTE: The finest Carbonnieux in nearly fifty years, this cuvee is reminiscent of a grand cru Burgundy, largely because of its sweet cherry, forest floor, and smoky components. The stunning 2005 possesses more concentration than usual, but never loses sight of its finesse, elegance, or that earthy style so characteristic of a Graves. While the sweetness of the fruit, remarkable purity, and beautiful texture are delicately presented, they are authoritative and intense. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2026  Score - (91-93).  (Robert Parker, April 2007)

PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED
TASTING NOTE: The finest Carbonnieux I have ever tasted, the deep ruby/purple-tinged 2005 offers gorgeously sweet aromas of black cherries, cassis, spice box, smoke, and new oak. Medium-bodied, beautifully rich, savory, and spicy, with moderate tannin, it will be drinkable between 2009-2025. It reminds me of a synthesis in style between a grand cru Burgundy and a classic. Score - (91-93). (RP)

PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED
TASTING NOTE: This beauty offers a strong argument that this may be the finest Domaine de Chevalier since the 1970. Stephane Derenoncourt, who was hired as the winemaking consultant, has built in more texture while retaining the terroir's tell-tale elegance and fragrance. A blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, it boasts an inky/ruby/purple color as well as a sumptuous perfume of lead pencil shavings, charcoal, black currants, cherries, smoked herbs, and spice. With soft tannin, medium to full body, beautiful opulence, impressive purity, and abundant tannin, it may close down after bottling. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2025. Score - (91-94). (RP)

PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED
TASTING NOTE: This is the finest Haut-Bailly I have ever tasted, although I suppose the 1900 or 1928 may have possessed similar qualities at the same age. Quintessentially elegant and rich, with surreal lightness and delicacy, it displays an inky/ruby color and beautiful aromas of sweet raspberries, black currants, flowers, graphite, and minerals. Medium-bodied and stunningly concentrated with moderately high but sweet tannin, this modern day legend represents a new reference point for this estate (now American-owned). Anticipated maturity: 2012-2030. Score - (93-95+). (RP)

PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED
TASTING NOTE: Unquestionably the finest wine Haut-Bergey has produced since 2000, this deep purple-colored beauty is a classic example of Pessac-Léognan's smoky, earthy style. Sweet red and black currant fruit, scorched earth, and a subtle burning ember/smoky character emerge from this ripe, full-bodied effort. With terrific fruit, good acidity, and high but ripe tannin, it should hit its peak in 3-5 years, and last for two decades. It is a blend of equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Score - (91-93). (RP)

PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED
TASTING NOTE: The 2005 Haut-Brion is an extraordinarily broad, rich, full-bodied effort boasting huge aromas of scorched earth, plum sauce, sweet cherries, black currants, and a hint of toasty oak. The wine possesses huge tannins, which is somewhat deceptive given its viscosity and opulence. Despite its intensity, Haut-Brion is always a model of elegance and symmetry. The profound 2005, which will undoubtedly shut down after bottling, should be less seductive in its youth than either the 1989 or 1990, but it will be incredibly long-lived. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2040+. Score - (96-100). (RP)

PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED
TASTING NOTE:The deep ruby/purple-hued 2005 La Mission-Haut-Brion is the finest offering from this estate since the 2000, a vintage it resembles in power, muscle, and structure. A gorgeous perfume of creosote, blueberries, and black fruits is followed by powerful, full-bodied flavors with great purity as well as remarkable freshness. Already revealing a certain unctuosity and thickness, it should continue to put on weight and develop magnificently for 25-30+ years. La Mission's staff believes it is more similar to the 1990 than 2000, but it is too early for me to agree or disagree. Nevertheless, this is a profound La Mission-Haut-Brion. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2030+. Score - (95-97). (RP)

PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED
TASTING NOTE: The 2005 is the finest wine produced at this estate since the 1998. A sleeper of the vintage, its dense ruby/purple color is followed by sweet aromas of graphite, earthy soil tones, cherries, cassis, and hints of smoke and herbs. This rich, ripe, medium to full-bodied effort possesses impressive concentration, admirable purity, and a long, persistent, moderately tannic finish. It should hit its prime in 4-5 years, and evolve for 15-20. Very impressive! Score - (90-92). (RP)