Vinous (98+)

The 2005 Richebourg makes a strong argument that the answer to that question might be a resounding ‘yes!’ Huge beams of tannin are present but nearly covered by the sheer intensity the fruit. Black cherry, plum, mint, lavender and graphite give the 2005 much of its gravitas. Tonight, the 2005 is insanely beautiful and absolutely stellar, and I say that never having truly fallen for the domaine’s Richebourg. The 2005, though, well, it simply will not be denied.

Vinous (98+)

The 2005 Richebourg makes a strong argument that the answer to that question might be a resounding ‘yes!’ Huge beams of tannin are present but nearly covered by the sheer intensity the fruit. Black cherry, plum, mint, lavender and graphite give the 2005 much of its gravitas. Tonight, the 2005 is insanely beautiful and absolutely stellar, and I say that never having truly fallen for the domaine’s Richebourg. The 2005, though, well, it simply will not be denied.

Vinous (98+)

The 2005 Richebourg makes a strong argument that the answer to that question might be a resounding ‘yes!’ Huge beams of tannin are present but nearly covered by the sheer intensity the fruit. Black cherry, plum, mint, lavender and graphite give the 2005 much of its gravitas. Tonight, the 2005 is insanely beautiful and absolutely stellar, and I say that never having truly fallen for the domaine’s Richebourg. The 2005, though, well, it simply will not be denied.

Burghound (97)

An incredibly perfumed and supremely elegant if exceptionally ripe nose features notes of various black fruit scents that are replete with soy, hoisin, clove and anise nuances. There is outstanding power and richness to the refined, detailed and very firmly structured flavors that culminate in a precise, pure and driving finish that goes on and on. This is a really impressive effort that offers terrific potential but fans of this wine should note that it is arguably more masculine than it usually is yet at the same time utterly seamless. In sum this is arguably the finest RSV that the Domaine has ever produced.

Burghound (97)

An incredibly perfumed and supremely elegant if exceptionally ripe nose features notes of various black fruit scents that are replete with soy, hoisin, clove and anise nuances. There is outstanding power and richness to the refined, detailed and very firmly structured flavors that culminate in a precise, pure and driving finish that goes on and on. This is a really impressive effort that offers terrific potential but fans of this wine should note that it is arguably more masculine than it usually is yet at the same time utterly seamless. In sum this is arguably the finest RSV that the Domaine has ever produced.

Burghound (97)

An incredibly perfumed and supremely elegant if exceptionally ripe nose features notes of various black fruit scents that are replete with soy, hoisin, clove and anise nuances. There is outstanding power and richness to the refined, detailed and very firmly structured flavors that culminate in a precise, pure and driving finish that goes on and on. This is a really impressive effort that offers terrific potential but fans of this wine should note that it is arguably more masculine than it usually is yet at the same time utterly seamless. In sum this is arguably the finest RSV that the Domaine has ever produced.

Vinous (91-94)

Bright ruby-red. Lovely pure aromas of dark raspberry, black cherry, minerals and flowers. Rich and layered but at the same time juicy, precise and penetrating, with enticing dark fruit and mineral flavors and a Vosne-like suppleness of texture. Finishes with superb, perfumed length, with sweet, fine tannins and vibrant, harmonious acidity. A great vintage for this cuvee

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (90)

The 2005 du Tertre is a bold, savory wine, as it so often is. Game, scorched earth, licorice, tobacco and dried herbs give this dark, virile Margaux much of its distinctive personality. The 2005 has aged well. I would prefer to drink it over the next handful of years, before the fruit fully fades, even though there is enough density to allow for aging beyond that. Structurally, du Tertre is a bit lighter than most Margaux in 2005.

Each case contains:

1x75cl Latour 2005 - 98+ pts | Wine Advocate

1x75cl Lafite Rothschild 2005 - 96 pts | Wine Advocate

1x75cl Mouton Rothschild 2005 - 98 pts | Wine Advocate

1x75cl Margaux 2005 - 98+ pts | Wine Advocate

1x75cl Haut-Brion 2005 - 100 pts | Wine Advocate

1x75cl La Mission Haut-Brion 2005 - 100 pts | Wine Advocate

1x75cl Pétrus 2005 - 97+ pts | Wine Advocate

1x75cl Cheval Blanc 2005 - 100 points | Wine Advocate

1x75cl D'Yquem 2005 -97 pts | Wine Advocate

Wine Advocate (93)

This property, which has benefitted enormously from tremendous investments from the Rothschild family that owns Lafite, has turned out a dense purple-colored wine in 2005. Offering broad, expansive, supple and silky tannin as well as loads of Asian plum sauce, blackcurrants, and sweet cherries, this wine is seductive, medium to full-bodied, and luscious. This successful effort from the Rothschilds should continue to drink well for at least another two decades.

Burghound (96)

A gorgeously scented nose offers up layered aromas of spice, earth, tea, sandalwood, wild flowers and black currant. There is an unusually refined mouth feel to the focused, intense and sleekly muscular flavors that possess equally good depth while delivering flat out superb length on the impeccably well-balanced finale. This is still very much on the way up but it is so harmonious and pretty that it could be enjoyed for its nose alone. That said, this is a very serious effort that should peak in the range of 7 to 10 years from now and then be capable of holding for 3 to 4 decades thereafter. In a word, wonderful.

Vinous (90+)

Good deep, bright red. Liqueur-like aromas of maraschino cherry, mint and soy sauce. Suave on entry, then tangy in the middle palate, offering complex flavors of red fruits, spices and mint. Finishes with a serious tannic spine that gives this wine a youthful austerity. I find a captivating savory character reminiscent of mushroom umami from the nose straight through to the aftertaste. Lay this one down for at least six or seven years.

Vinous (87-89)

Bright, deep red-ruby. Briary black raspberry, smoke and mocha on the musky nose. Dense, musky and sweet, with a hint of malic acidity giving an edge to the black raspberry, mineral and chocolate flavors. Finishes with substantial dusty tannins. This cuvee got a total of just two pigeages, as the fruit needed a gentle extraction owing to some drought stress, according to Jeremy Seysses.

Vinous (87-89)

Bright, deep red-ruby. Briary black raspberry, smoke and mocha on the musky nose. Dense, musky and sweet, with a hint of malic acidity giving an edge to the black raspberry, mineral and chocolate flavors. Finishes with substantial dusty tannins. This cuvee got a total of just two pigeages, as the fruit needed a gentle extraction owing to some drought stress, according to Jeremy Seysses.

Vinous (90)

The 2005 Brut Grand Cru Millésime is soft, forward and quite expressive. There is plenty of freshness in the glass, but the wine's mid-weight personality and overall lack of complexity vis-à-vis the best wines here both make me think it is a wine to drink now and over the next handful of years. The lithe, delicate finish is attractive, if a bit out of character for Egly-Ouriet, where the wines are usually richer. Candied lemon, dried apricot, white flowers and mint are some of the signatures. Disgorged: July 2014.

Burghound (91-94)

A ripe, expressive and airy nose that combines both upper and mid-level register fruit notes that include red pinot, black berry and violet notes trimmed in moderate wood spice as well as natural spice notes of clove and anise that can also be found on the round, rich and beautifully balanced big-bodied flavors that are powerful, long and more stylish than usual. This is a terrific Ech that should be capable of at least a decade's worth of improvement.

Burghound (91-94)

A ripe, expressive and airy nose that combines both upper and mid-level register fruit notes that include red pinot, black berry and violet notes trimmed in moderate wood spice as well as natural spice notes of clove and anise that can also be found on the round, rich and beautifully balanced big-bodied flavors that are powerful, long and more stylish than usual. This is a terrific Ech that should be capable of at least a decade's worth of improvement.

Vinous (88+)

Medium, bright red. Nose dominated by marzipan, herbs and spicy oak. Hints at sweet red fruits on entry, then turns dry, juicy and penetrating, with strongly oaky cherry and almond tones. I find a slightly raw, green quality in the middle palate and on the back end. Finishes with substantial and somewhat dry oak tannins. An awkward showing.

Vinous (92+)

Saturated, bright red-ruby. Musky aromas of red berries, minerals, underbrush, smoke and oak. The mid-palate shows a vibrant sweetness and a pronounced minerality but today is dominated by a strong and slightly raw oakiness. I find this tough going today, but the wine's powerful extract, strong acidity and firm tannic spine suggest it will reward 10 or 12 years of cellaring. (Unfortunately, my sample of the Mazis-Chambertin was corked.)

Wine Spectator (91)

This offers blackberry, currant and hints of meat on the nose. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a meat, berry and light vanilla character. Has a velvety texture, with pretty fruit. Best after 2011. 4,165 cases made. -JS

James Suckling (95)

Interesting aromas of cedar, tobacco, dark fruits, cinnamon, and cigar box. Full and solid, with chewy tannins. A very direct, straight, and pure wine with lovely freshness. This is starting to close, give this some time.

Wine Advocate (93)

The 2005 Fonsalette Cotes du Rhone is a blockbuster. This blend of 50% Grenache, 35% Cinsault, and 15% Syrah has a dark ruby/purple color and a beautifully structured style with notes of black truffle, licorice, black currant, and sweet cherry intermixed with some crushed rock and flowers. The wine is beautifully broad, savory, and exceptionally well-delineated and focused. This is a magnificent wine that should be at its best between 2010 and 2025.

A product of remarkable elegance, Font de Michelle Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Etienne Gonnet 2005 is a testament to the skill and innovation of the Gonnet family. Stationed in the esteemed Chateauneuf-du-Pape region of Rhône, Southern France, for over five generations, their old-growth vines produce an expressive wine, underpinned by a profound respect for tradition.

The Etienne Gonnet 2005 features predominantly Grenache, subtly accented with Syrah and Mourvèdre. It is aged carefully in oak casks, permeating the vintage with a beguiling complexity. This resplendent red is renowned for its impressive structure, powerful fruit intensity, and a sophisticated hint of spice and blackberry. The tight-knit tannins and balanced acidity make for a lingering, satiny finish.

Impeccably crafted and aging beautifully, the Font de Michelle Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Etienne Gonnet 2005 embodies the Gonnet family's ardour for superb, authentic winemaking, making it a prized addition to any cellar. This a wine that truly underscores the depth and splendour of its terroir.

Vinous (97)

The 2005 Ruchottes-Chambertin is the highlight of recent vintages. It has a brilliant nose that is endowed with astonishing precision, far more than previous vintages with mineral-rich cassis and red cherry fruit, later a hint of oyster shell. Crystalline is the word that springs to mind. The palate is symmetrical in terms of its balance, armed with filigree tannin, show-stopping purity and a satin-like finish that takes your breath away. Is there a touch of stem addition on the end? I don't care. This is a gold-plated fabulous wine. Tasted at the Ruchottes-Chambertin vertical in London.