Addy Bassin's MacArthur Beverages - Fine Wine and Spirits Since 1957

"Deep ruby/purple-hued, soft, fruity, medium to full-bodied, and spicy with hints of high class cigar tobacco mixed with cassis and sweet cherries."
Robert Parker- Wine Advocate

"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

"Branaire, which has been ratcheting up the quality level over the last 5-6 years, made such a great 2003, I am hesitant to suggest the 2005 is as good, or even better. It will undoubtedly come down to consumer's personal preference, with the 2003 more exotic and flamboyant, and the 2005 more structured or "classic." In any event, the 2005 is one of the top Branaires ever made. Its inky/ruby/purple color is followed by sweet aromas of spring flowers interwoven with black cherries, cranberries, cassis, plums, and hints of forest floor, wet rocks, and new oak. With wonderful purity, full body, terrific fruit intensity, a beautiful, expansive texture, and a stunning 45-50-second finish, it should be at its peak between 2011-2030."
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

"The dense ruby/purple-hued 2005 Cheval Blanc's ethereal bouquet of menthol, coffee, wet stones, black cherries, blackberries, and hints of graphite and spice soars from the glass. An equal part blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot, it is medium to full-bodied with a gorgeous texture in addition to high tannins that glide over the palate with no angularity or astringency."
Robert Parker- Wine Advocate

"Subtle yet complex aromas of lemon, spice, honey and dried apricot. Full-bodied and very, very intense, with loads of dried fruit and a long, spicy finish."
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 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

"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

"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

"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."
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

"Smoke, black truffles, crushed rock, and leafy notes combined with earth, fresh mushrooms, and cassis result in a complex set of aromatics for the dark ruby/purple-colored 2005 Fieuzal."
Robert Parker- Wine Advocate

"Giscours has been on a hot streak, fashioning full-bodied, powerful wines. The forward 2005 reveals notes of chocolate, sweet cherries, plums, figs, and dried herbs in its opulent, corpulent personality."
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

"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."
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

"An enormously endowed wine with huge tannin and structure, the 2005 offers a quintessential Graves bouquet of burning embers, charcoal, blackberries, truffles, black currants, and a meaty character."
Robert Parker- Wine Advocate

"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

"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."
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

"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. Space constraints did not allow full tasting notes, but this is one of the top 2005 dry white Bordeaux wines."
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

"This is breathtaking. Black in color, with incredible aromas of crushed blackberry, mineral, licorice and lead pencil. Full-bodied, with a mind-blowing texture of seamless tannins that coat every millimeter of the palate. Goes on and on, with licorice, currant and flowers. Time will tell if it's better than the 2000. Best after 2017."
James Suckling- Wine Spectator

"the 2005 Leoville Poyferre is a gorgeously opulent, approachable wine that is far less massive and austere than its two siblings. The most seductive, approachable, and charming of the three Leovilles, it exhibits a dense purple color as well as a sweet bouquet of mocha, black chocolate, creme de cassis, licorice, and toasty oak."
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

"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 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."
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

"A black/purple color is accompanied by aromas of charcoal, burning embers, crushed rocks, sweet, pure, blueberries and blackberries, chocolaty creme de cassis, and licorice."
Robert Parker- Wine Advocate

"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