91 pts – Wine Advocate
While no one will confuse the 2005 with this estate’s prodigious 1990, it is an outstanding effort from one of St.-Emilion’s finest terroirs. In terms of potential, the vineyard is exceeded only by Ausone, Pavie and Belair for micro-climate and exposition. A beautiful dark ruby/purple color is accompanied by an ethereal nose of blueberry liqueur, spring flowers, melted licorice, raspberries, and crushed rocks. Medium-bodied with good acidity, sweet but high tannin, a broad mouthfeel, and admirable elegance as well as freshness, this beauty should age easily for 25+ years. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2035. – WA, RP (4/2008)
92-95 pts – Wine Spectator
Fabulous aromas of blackberry, licorice and flowers. Wonderful nose. Full-bodied, with racy tannins and a long finish. This is powerful and rich. This is very long and velvety. Gorgeous. The winemaker here thinks it could match the great 1990 and 1989. Almost classic quality (06/2006)
92 pts – Vinous
Medium red-ruby. Very ripe aromas of black cherry and licorice; slightly liqueur-like. Intensely flavored and gripping, with impressive power and a serious spine to the sweet black cherry flavors. Finishes with sneaky length and excellent backbone for aging. Aeration brought more minerality and more sweetness.- Stephen Tanzer (5/28)