"The 2005 Bahans-Haut-Brion is a lighter, more accessible version of its more famous sibling. Dark ruby with smoky currant and sweet cherry aromas, this wine is already complex and generous in delivering fruit, glycerin, and silky tannin."
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

"Aromas of blackberry, sweet tobacco and light cedar with just a hint of tar. Solid core of fruit here with big, silky tannins and a long, subtle yet flavorful finish. Very fine indeed. This is already on the level of a very good Haut-Brion. The château calls it is the best since 1989."
James Suckling- Wine Spectator

"The 2nd wine of Ch. Brane Cantenac. A beautiful wine in 2005!"

"While there was some variation with this wine on the three separate occasions I tasted it, it is unquestionably a spectacular effort as well as one of the finest Beau Sejour-Becots made by proprietor Gerard Becot. The natural alcohol came in just under 15%, and the blend of 70% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon was cropped at 35 hectoliters per hectare. Despite the wine’s massiveness, intensity, and powerful, full-bodied flavors that coat the palate, there is remarkable freshness, definition, and lightness because of the vintage’s unusual combination of huge richness, incredible tannin levels, record breaking alcohol levels, and very good acids. This should turn out to be a profound St.-Emilion and may merit a score in the mid-nineties if everything goes as well as I suspect it should."
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

"The 2nd wine of Ch. d'Issan. A gorgeous example of Margaux. "

"Boyd-Cantenac’s tannic, pure 2005 may be the finest wine I have yet tasted from this estate. Like so many Margaux cru classes, it performed extraordinarily well in this vintage. An inky/purple color accompanies sweet blueberry and cassis fruit, floral, licorice, and wet steel-like characteristics. Deep, full-bodied, powerful, structured, and tannic, it is a classic, long-lived effort."
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

"This is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon (as ripe and impressive as Madame Gasqueton has ever seen) and 40% Merlot. The Merlot was harvested between September 15-22 and the Cabernet Sauvignon was brought in during the first two weeks of October. The result is a classic Calon-Segur exhibiting a dense purple color, ripe black cherry, cassis, smoke, earth, and new oak characteristics, powerful but sweet tannin, a huge texture, and broad, concentrated flavors. It will undoubtedly close down after bottling."
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

"A perennial value pick for smart consumers, Cap de Faugeres is fashioned by world-renowned oenologist, Michel Rolland. The 2005, which achieved 13.5% natural alcohol, is a forward concoction of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Its black/purple color is accompanied by sweet scents of incense, black tea, licorice, and subtle oak. Medium to full-bodied, opulent, and rich, it should drink well for a decade or more."
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

"Loads of blackberry and raspberry aromas follow through to a full-bodied palate with fine tannins and a long, caressing finish"
James Suckling- Wine Spectator

"Another excellent vintage for Bordeaux's dry whites, which tend to be vastly underrated and exceptionally long-lived (30-40 years in some cases). The 2005s possess crisp acidity as well as serious weight, richness, and texture."
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

"This jewel of an estate hidden in a beautiful park (with a swan-filled lake), just behind Haut-Brion, has produced the finest Les Carmes since the 1998 and 2000. The 2005's huge, fragrant nose of spring flowers, blue and red fruits, cedar, and wet rocks soars from the glass. While not a powerful blockbuster, this medium-bodied wine’s terrific intensity, fruit purity, elegance, delicacy, and long persistent finish suggest it will be at its finest between 2011-2025. A liqueur of elegance and grace."
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

"Flowers and blackberry follow through to a medium-bodied palate, with fine tannins and a fresh finish. Balanced and pretty."
James Suckling- Wine Spectator

"A sleeper of the vintage. "
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

"The 2nd wine from Ch. Pape Clement. A sleeper of the vintage and great value in 2005."

"An unusually sweet, rich vintage for Climens but with much better acidity than the 2003. Not quite as thrilling as the 2001 but not too much short of it. Drink 2015-35"
Jancis Robinson

"Fragrant, quite fine nose. One of the tighter, more compact wines but very intense and potentially explosive. Lots of lime acidity. Tightly knit. Quite chewy still."
Jancis Robinson

"This is a racy Sauternes with lots of spicy lemon and apple tart character. Medium- to full-bodied, with a lovely richness and a long finish. Could move up a notch."
James Suckling- Wine Spectator

"Purchased by Gerard Perse (of Chateau Pavie) and Dr. Alain Raynaud (of Quinault l’Enclos), this impressive Cotes de Castillon is fashioned from 70% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The vineyard is crop-thinned as well as de-leafed, and, as one might expect, the winemaking and upbringing are impeccable. The wine exhibits a dense ruby/purple color in addition to a sumptuous perfume of black fruits intermixed with hints of lead pencil shavings, new oak, and earth. Rich, deep, dark and dense fruit with surprising concentration and body."

"The Cotes de Castillon offering from perfectionists Chantal and Gerard Perse of Ch. Pavie, the 2005 Clos des Lunelles, fashioned from yields of 20 hectoliters per hectare, is a candidate for the reference point wine of the appellation. Inky/blue/purple-colored with stunning aromas of spring flowers, sweet cherries, black currants, crushed rocks, and new oak, it possesses fabulous fruit, remarkable intensity and texture, full body, and a huge, moderately tannic finish. "
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

"As usual, this estate’s second wine, the 2005 Clos du Marquis, is top-flight. Possessing more alcohol than the grand vin (13.45%), it offers gorgeous purity, plenty of red and black fruits, and a style similar to its more famous sibling."
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

"Clos Puy Arnaud is nearly always a seriously made as well as potentially long-lived offering, as evidenced by the 2005.. Displaying terrific old vine intensity, it hits the palate with a rush of fruit, glycerin, and tannin. With good structure, purity, and potential, it will require 2-3 years to settle down, and should last for 15 or more years."
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

"The 2005 Cos d’Estournel is made from an unusual blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, and 3% Cabernet Franc. The Merlot was picked during the last nine days of September, and the Cabernets were finished by the 9th of October. The 2005's 13.85% alcohol is the highest this estate has ever achieved. The implementation of such Burgundian winemaking techniques as malolactic in barrel and aging on its lees are resulting in wines of extraordinary texture as well as elegance. The 2003 may be more opulent, and for my taste a more compelling wine, but the 2005 is at the same level. Made from yields of 40 hectoliters per hectare, it exhibits an inky/purple color as well as a gorgeous nose of sweet red and black fruits, camphor, cedar, and pain grille. Extraordinarily well-defined, nuanced, and powerful, with high tannin as well as magnificent texture and richness, this classic offering will be uncommonly long-lived. It will not be close to drinkability for another 5-7 years, and should last for 30 or more. A fabulous wine!"
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

"Cote Montpezat 'Compostelle' - Cote Castillon $11.00 "Another sleeper of the vintage, this deep ruby/purple-colored wine possesses sweet floral, cranberry and blackberry notes along with a hint of cold steel. Medium-bodied, ripe, and forward, with loads of fruit, glycerin, and soft tannin."
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

"Hint of bronze, blossomy on the nose. Very full and intense and has absolutely MASSES of weight. Unmissable. You could slice this in two. Most impressive. This should live for almost ever. Very neat finish. Acidity well hidden.""
Jancis Robinson

"Intense aromas of honey, spice and candied lemons. Full-bodied, very sweet and dense, with a syrupy mouthfeel and a long finish. This is very concentrated. Almost classic quality."
James Suckling- Wine Spectator

"Focused aromas of currants, berries and spices follow through to a full-bodied palate, with silky tannins and a long, balanced finish. Excellent second wine."
James Suckling- Wine Spectator

"Floral, lemon, apple and cream with dried pineapple and apricot. Full-bodied, but very focused and refined. It starts slowly and then, wham! It goes on and on. Spicy, dried fruits and spices. Full-bodied, medium-sweet. So long and exciting. It is very close to 2001. We will see. "- Wine Spectator

"This is very concentrated with dried pineapple, honey and caramel. Full-bodied and superdense. Like honey. Massive. From the former head and part owner of Yquem. "- Wine Spectator

"After Destieux’s brilliant 2003, I thought proprietor Christian Dauriac may have hit the highest peak possible at this old vineyard (average age 45 years). However, the blockbuster 2005 may well eclipse the 2003. Consultant Michel Rolland’s final blend consists of 66% Merlot, and equal parts Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. A flamboyant, muscular, seriously concentrated wine of great intensity, it possesses a dense black/purple color as well as a gorgeous nose of smoke, truffles, blackberries, earth, new saddle leather, and grilled meat juices. The wine is amazingly dense, rich, and powerful yet also elegant and fresh."
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

"Dried pineapples with honey and flowers. Full-bodied and medium-sweet, with fresh acidity and a spicy finish."
James Suckling- Wine Spectator

"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."
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

"Bruno Borie has done a fabulous job at Ducru Beaucaillou. The 2003 may be the greatest Ducru produced in the last 3-4 decades, and the 2005 is not far behind. A more backward style of wine with higher tannin, more elevated acids, and extremely high alcohol (13.6%) for this estate, its inky/purple color is followed by notes of sweet cassis and plums intermixed with licorice, crushed rocks, and white flowers. Medium to full-bodied and structured with a whoppingly long finish, it needs 8-10 years of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2030+. It is a blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon and 33% Merlot."
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

"This estate has come on strong under the auspices of visionary proprietor Bernard Magrez and winemaking consultant Michel Rolland, and it has been one of this journal’s great value picks over the last 7-8 vintages. In 2005, the harvest took place between September 22nd and October 6th, and the final blend consisted of 77% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc, and 9% Cabernet Sauvignon. Its dense purple color is accompanied by a sumptuous bouquet of white chocolate, graphite, black cherry jam, and currants. Medium to full-bodied with moderate tannin, more structure than usual, loads of glycerin, and a persistent mouthfeel, it should be drinkable in 2-3 years, and evolve for 12-15."
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

"A 5,000-case blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot made by Cos d’Estournel’s winemaker, Jean-Guillaume Prats, from a northern Medoc vineyard, the dense ruby/purple-tinged 2005 exhibits beautiful aromas of creme de cassis, chocolate, and hints of earth, smoke, and spice. Displaying sweet tannin, a fleshy, medium-bodied, opulent style, and impressive purity as well as length, it will be approachable when released, and should keep for 7-10 years."
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

"A fabulous effort, this deep, dense ruby/purple-tinged 2005 roars out of the glass like a runaway locomotive. Its technical numbers are nearly off the charts by Bordeaux standards. Although it reveals incredibly high levels of tannin as well as 14+% alcohol, it possesses the vintage’s characteristic freshness and liveliness. Loads of black fruits, spice box, cedar, and pain grille notes emerge from this structured blockbuster. It will benefit from 5-6 years of cellaring, and should last for 15-20 years."
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

"Grand-Puy-Lacoste’s 2005 is their finest effort since 2000 and 1996. It offers a deep ruby/purple color in addition to a beautiful, pure bouquet of creme de cassis, full body, moderately high tannin, and good precision, freshness, weight, and richness. Like many of the classified growths, it is a candidate to shut down after bottling."
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

"A gorgeous perfume of creme de cassis, spring flowers, crushed rocks, and forest floor soars from the glass of this rich, full-bodied, well-endowed effort. Boasting decent acidity, wonderful vibrancy, significant concentration, and moderately high tannin, it is the finest Grandes Murailles since the 2000 and 2001."
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

"Now under the ownership of Bernard Magrez and his team at Ch Pape Clement. Rated 90-92 points by Robert Parker, Ch. Les Grands Chenes is a great value and a sleeper of the vintage !"

"Thick and spicy, with loads of dried pineapple, lemon and honey character. Full-bodied, very sweet and long. This is layered and beautiful."
James Suckling- Wine Spectator

"Xavier Planty has made another superb wine, very close to being five stars at this early stage. The wine is very perfumed with lovely concentration and imposing length, fruit and elegance."
Decanter Magazine

"Another excellent vintage for Bordeaux's dry whites, which tend to be vastly underrated and exceptionally long-lived (30-40 years in some cases). The 2005s possess crisp acidity as well as serious weight, richness, and texture."
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

"Unquestionably the finest wine Haut-Bergey has produced since 2000, this deep purple-colored beauty is a classic example of Pessac-Leognan’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."
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

"Lots of blackberry and spices on the nose. Full-bodied, rich and powerful. Velvety tannins. Long finish."
James Suckling

"Modern but elegant in style. Lively, vibrant dark fruit. Good density. Finely textured, fresh and long. Drink 2012-2020."
James Lawther, Decanter Magazine

"The Pomerol estate of St.-Emilion’s Christian Dauriac, Michel Rolland is the consulting winemaker at La Clemence. Their finest vintage to date, the 2005 (85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc) exhibits an inky/ruby/purple color in addition to a bouquet of smoke, blackberries, and ripe cherries, refreshing acidity, good definition, and a long finish."
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

"From the personal estate of one of Bordeaux’s most influential tastemakers, Hubert de Bouard, the 2005 La Fleur de Bouard is potentially one of the finest yet produced ... and that’s saying something given the consistent quality. A blend of 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, its blue/black/purple color is accompanied by beautiful aromas of charcoal, melted licorice, espresso, blackberries, and blue fruits. Deep, opulent, and full-bodied, with sweet tannin as well as a powerful finish, it will require consumption during its first 7-8 years of life. The luxury cuvee (100% Merlot), which comes from a five acre parcel cropped at 20 hectoliters per hectare, is bottled unfined and unfiltered after 33 months in 100% new oak."
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

"Aromas of blackberry and dark chocolate follow through to medium- to full-bodied palate, with fine tannins and a long finish. Very well done."
James Suckling- Wine Spectator

"Very dark coppery/bronze colour. Relatively simple honeyed nose. Then masses of rich, ripe almost tropical fruit flavoured sweetness. Absolutely enormous! Extremely ambitious with a slightly burnt note. Great texture. All on the finish rather than upfront. Some very fine tannins on the very end. Set for a very long life. Very rich and round and supple. Astringency very well hidden underneath."
Jancis Robinson, JancisRobinson.com

"Intense aromas of dried pineapple, honey and tropical fruit. Full-bodied and superdense, with masses of fruit. It goes on and on. Seductive. Fantastic. Could be the 2003 in the remake."
James Suckling- Wine Spectator

"Dark ruby/purple-colored with a smoky, barbecue spice, mulberry, and black currant-scented nose, this strong effort reveals more body, density, and length than usual."
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

"This tint estate is owned and operated by the Domaine Clarence Dillon, owners of Ch. Haut Brion."

"Lots of dried fruits with hints of honey and spices. Full and rich with a thick, sweet, dense palate. Long, refined finish. Not the 2001, but excellent."
James Suckling- Wine Spectator

"Although it does not yet display much complexity, this stunning, opaque purple-colored wine exhibits sweet creme de cassis fruit, enormous concentration, loads of tannin, and superb purity as well as length. A medium to full-bodied, structured effort, it will require time in the bottle. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025."
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

"The 2005 is unquestionably the finest Le Gay since 1982, 1975, and perhaps even 1947. Kudos to consulting winemaker Michel Rolland and the estate’s relatively new proprietor, Catherine Pere-Verge, for pushing the envelope to this level. Reminiscent of an old style Le Gay or Lafleur, it boasts an inky/blue/purple color as well as an exquisite perfume of raspberry and blueberry liqueur intermixed with flowers, kirsch, licorice, and earth. This dense, powerful, concentrated, full-bodied yet well-balanced and symmetrical Pomerol possesses a boatload of tannin, but it is largely concealed by the lofty alcohol, glycerin, and extract. A brilliant effort, it represents a new reference point for Le Gay. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2035."
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

"As superb as Leoville Poyferre’s 2005 is, it does not appear to be as profound as their 2003, but I may be proven wrong once the wine is bottled. Flowery creme de cassis aromas interwoven with hints of blackberries, licorice, and pain grille jump from the glass of this opaque purple-colored St.-Julien. Possessing medium to full body, sweet tannin, an expansive, multilayered mid-palate, good acidity and freshness, and a blockbuster finish, this powerful, impressively endowed effort will require patience. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2030+."
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

"This estate has been resurrected over the last decade under the inspired leadership of Belgian proprietor, Alexandre Bonnie. The incredibly elegant 2005 is a classic Graves offering wonderfully sweet aromas of berries, scorched earth, flowers, and spice. Elegant, vibrant, super-endowed, textured, rich, fresh, and lively, it should be approachable in 3-4 years, and last for 25 or more."
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

"Aromas of tar, ripe fruit and dried herbs. Full-bodied, with a good core of round-textured tannins and a long finish. Friendly wine. Nicely done."
James Suckling- Wine Spectator

"Although this is not considered to be one of St.-Emilion’s finest terroirs, everything is done in an artisinal manner - including hand harvesting, hand sorting, a draconian selection in both the vineyard and the cellars, and Burgundy-like treatments of malolactic in barrel and aging sur-lie. Monbousquet has been a stunning success ever since Perse took over the property. The 2005 (13.5% alcohol) possesses a saturated blue/purple color as well as a big, sweet nose of pain grille, roasted herbs, grilled meats, black cherry jam, blackberries, and spice. Powerful, full-bodied, and dense yet elegant, deep, and layered, its pure fruit, concentration, and overall quality hide the moderately high tannin. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2023."
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

"There are 7,000 cases of this wine .... everything is done in an artisinal manner - including hand harvesting, hand sorting, a draconian selection in both the vineyard and the cellars, and Burgundy-like treatments of malolactic in barrel and aging sur-lie. Monbousquet has been a stunning success ever since Perse took over the property. The 2005 (13.5% alcohol) possesses a saturated blue/purple color as well as a big, sweet nose of pain grille, roasted herbs, grilled meats, black cherry jam, blackberries, and spice. Powerful, full-bodied, and dense yet elegant, deep, and layered, its pure fruit, concentration, and overall quality hide the moderately high tannin. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2023."
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

"A blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc as well as a dollop of Petit Verdot, it possesses an inky/blue/purple color in addition to a sweet, provocative nose of creme de cassis, crushed rocks, graphite, and subtle wood. Medium to full-bodied, elegant yet powerful, fresh, and nuanced, the acids are higher and the pH lower in 2005 than in 2002. The 2005 should be a long-lived classic, but patience will be required despite the relatively high alcohol (13.2%), which is counterbalanced by some of the highest tannins ever measured."
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

"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."
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

"Robert Parker scored this wine but space limitations did not allow him to publish tasting notes. He did, however, write about this wine and all the other cru bourgeois that he scored that: "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."
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

"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+."
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

"Love the aromas here of currants, licorice, exotic fruit, and berries. Complex. Full and silky, with gorgeous tannins. This is really long and reserved. Very close to 95-100. I will see in bottle."
James Suckling- Wine Spectator

"Deep ruby-hued with purple highlights, the lighter-styled 2005 Pichon-Lalande (reminiscent of Pinot Noir) is a racy, elegant, finesse-filled Pauillac without the power, flesh, and substance of previous vintages. Its delicacy and vibrancy have resulted in a singularly styled effort for this impeccably run estate. I would not be surprised to see the 2005 put on more weight after 4-5 years of bottle age; it should keep for two decades."
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

"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."
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

"Proprietor Alain Raynaud has produced a beautifully elegant, noble, racy 2005 Quinault l’Enclos that ranks alongside his 1998, 2000, and 2001. A blend of 77% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon (the average age of the vines is 50 years), it was cropped at 32 hectoliters per hectare, and receives the Burgundian treatment of malolactic in barrel, aging on its lees for 6-10 months, and no filtering at bottling. The wine is gorgeously textured, medium-bodied, and elegant yet intensely flavored with a power and texture that build on the palate. The tannin is sweet, but noticeable, and the finish is long. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2030."
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

"Possibly the finest Reignac I have ever tasted from proprietor Yves Vatelot, this superlative blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon is treated like a spoiled child, aged on its lees, and bottled unfiltered."
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

"Coppery. Diffuse rather toasty nose. Very very sweet but with enormous acidity too and depth. Toasty, almost burnt, a very strong expression with some depth though the sweetness is such that it easily masks everything else at this stage."
Jancis Robinson, JancisRobinson.com

"Loads of spicy honey and apple character. Full-bodied, medium-sweet, with a solid core of fruit and lots of botrytis character. Very racy. Not the 2001 but superb."
James Suckling- Wine Spectator

"I know it sounds like a broken record, but this may be the best Smith-Haut-Lafitte ever made. A prodigious effort, the 2005 boasts an inky/blue/purple color, sweet aromas of graphite, white chocolate, espresso, and blue, red, and black fruits, extraordinary density, moderately high tannin, medium body, fabulous layers, and an enticing texture. However, it comes across as delicate and fresh because of its acidity."
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

"Owned by Gerard Perse of Ch Pavie, St Colombes is made from 70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc. Dark purple fades to a violet and ruby flecked rim. Rich and lush in texture with sweet, plump black fruit; nice length on the finish. Great value."
Mark Wessels

"A dense ruby/purple color along with superb black cherry, currant, forest floor, herb, and new saddle leather aromas, huge ripeness, massive structure, and tremendous concentration emerge from this broodingly backward, formidably muscular St.-Julien. It will require 6-8 years of cellaring, but should keep for 25-30. A top-notch effort, the 2005 may be the finest wine I have ever tasted from Saint-Pierre."
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

"Greenish notes in the gold. Dense and nutty on the nose. Very positive palate impact and attack. Layers of flavour – a little note of brûlée but interesting. Very well done. Really zesty acidity as well as neat and satisfying sweetness even if this is far from the sweetest wine of the vintage. Brisk and neat."
Jancis Robinson, JancisRobinson.com

"Loads of pear and honey character follow through to a full-bodied palate, with lots of spicy character and a sweet, long finish. Very, very spicy on the finish. Better than 2003, but will it ultimately be better than 2001?"
James Suckling- Wine Spectator

"A deep ruby/blue/purple hue and an earthy, spicy, sweet currant, and leather-scented bouquet are present in this pretty effort. Although somewhat light in the context of the vintage, it possesses good freshness and the potential to be excellent, possibly outstanding if it fleshes out. It will be one 2005 to enjoy early in life. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2018."
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate