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

Introducing the Essence de Dourthe 2005, a sublime embodiment of craft and tradition from the renowned Bordeaux producer, Dourthe. Made with a meticulous approach that speaks to Dourthe's dedication to excellence, this wine is a quintessential Bordeaux blend, primarily comprised of the illustrious Merlot grape with a noble touch of Cabernet Sauvignon. This stunning 2005 expression is a testament to a remarkable vintage in the region, characterised by perfectly ripe, balanced fruit and an extraordinary ageing potential.

The Essence de Dourthe 2005 is an elegant display of the terroir's signature minerality, backed by complex layers of blackcurrant, cherry, and mature tannins. Earthy truffle notes and a silky swirl of smoke finish imbue the palate with a long, lingering finish. This masterpiece truly represents the quintessence of Dourthe's wine-making prowess. Whether savoured now or cellared for future enjoyment, the Essence de Dourthe 2005 is an exquisite addition to any discerning wine collection.

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.

This traditional style Pauillac lead the way among non first growth Bordeaux’s to take off in Asia. Full bodied, high in tannin it ages very well. The 2005 is beautifully refined with complex notes of liquorice, mint and black fruit. This is ready to drink.

Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (100)

The stand out First Growth in my recent retasting of the 2005s, and again here it blew us all away. This was a drought year, with almost no rain from May to October, but never excessively hot, and the balance is evident. The slightly dry tannins that affected many 2005s when young were never such a problem on the warm soils at Haut-Brion, and this is generous, exceptionally nuanced and flavourful, with vivid black cherry and cassis fruits, riven through with liqourice, cocoa bean, pomegranate, sage, cocoa bean and luscious acidities. Jean-Phillip Delmas winemaker, two years into his tenure at the time after taking over from his father Jean-Bernard Delmas in 2003. 100% new oak.

Wine Advocate (91)

A Bordeaux that seems to have a Burgundian personality, L’Arrosée’s 2005 displays elegance and finesse, with sweet black cherry and blackcurrant fruit, hints of minerality and earth, but soft tannin, a lush, medium-bodied style, and impressive concentration, purity and overall texture. By no means a blockbuster (in a vintage that produced almost endless numbers of them), this wine can be drunk now or cellared for another 15-20 years.

Wine Spectator (100)

Dark in color, almost purple black, with pure tapenade and hints of ripe plum and berry. Full-bodied, with layer upon layer of velvety tannins and chocolate, berry, vanilla and tea flavors. Lasts for minutes. I am blown away by this wine. This has been amazing since the moment I tasted it from barrel. Reminds me of the superb 1950. Best after 2015. 3,500 cases made. -JS

Wine Advocate (96)

Tasted blind at the 10-Year On Tasting in Sauternes. The 2005 L’Extravagant de Doisy Daëne has 3.9grams of acidity, 192 grams per liter of residual sugar and 12.3% alcohol. The 2005 has a powerful bouquet with honey, mandarin, a touch of petrol and yellow flowers on the nose, later developing that seductive marzipan scent that draws you in like a tractor beam. The palate is unctuous in the mouth that is probably going to be sugar-coated for the next year or two, but there are some gorgeous peach and citrus notes that flourish on the finish. It is more a force of nature than a wine!

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (97)

The 2005 La Conseillante is a rich, heady Pomerol. Crème de cassis, lavender, chocolate, leather, espresso, licorice and sweet French oak infuse the 2005 with tremendous character. The 2005 is, naturally, a wine of its era. There is quite a bit of extraction and tannin, and yet the wine has aged impeccably. Time in the glass brings out energy and aromatic lift to round things out nicely. The 2005 just got better and better with time, so I suggest giving it a good bit of air. I would prefer to drink it over the next decade or so.

Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (89-92)

Bright ruby-red. Meaty dark berries and leather on the nose. Dense, sweet and highly concentrated, with very ripe flavors of plum, cassis, licorice and spices. Finishes with dusty but sweet tannins, a cool suggestion of menthol that gives it life, and sneaky length.