The Incredible 2005 Vintage Bordeaux Collection

Pavie Les Aromes de Pavie 2005, St Emilion, Bordeaux, France

Wine Advocate 90:

Made from the estate’s younger vines (under 10-years of age), the 2005 Les Aromes de Pavie is a blend of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in primarily old oak for two years. 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, it possesses some of its bigger sibling’s personality, and is capable of lasting 10-12 years. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2020. 

Michel Rolland Episode 1 2005, Haut Medoc, Bordeaux, France

Wine Advocate 93:

This is the first release of a special project of Jeremy Renard and the proprietor of Chateau d’Arsac in Margaux. Under Renard’s guidance, each year a single vineyard parcel from Chateau d’Arsac is completely controlled by a single, world-renowned winemaker. Michel Rolland launched the project. Rolland had the good fortune to benefit from an excellent vintage, and the result is a 5,000-case lot of sensational wine. The 2005 possesses a forward, voluptuous style, so it will have early appeal, but don’t discount its potential to last 15-20 years. It offers a dense ruby/purple hue along with a smoky perfume of sweet cherries, blackberries, roasted coffee, and a hint of tobacco leaf. There is a seamless integration of acidity, tannin, and wood in this complete, full-bodied wine. The finish lasts for 35-40 seconds.

Larrivet Haut Brion 2005, Pessac Leognan, Bordeaux, France

Wine Advocate 90:

The 2005 is the finest wine produced at this estate since the 1998. A sleeper of the vintage, exhibiting classic Graves aromas of smoky, volcanic, scorched earth, herbs, chocolate, and black cherries, Larrivet Haut-Brion’s dense ruby/purple-colored 2005 possesses superb depth, and silky yet abundant tannins. It is an excellent effort displaying a provocative bouquet as well as 15 or more years of aging potential.

Fonbel 2005, St Emilion, Bordeaux, France

Wine Advocate 90:

A sleeper of the vintage, Ausone’s proprietor, Alain Vauthier, produces this beautiful St.-Emilion. It possesses a sumptuous bouquet of crushed rocks, incense, raspberries, boysenberries, and a touch of cherries. Some earthiness intrudes on the palate, but it adds complexity and nuance rather than detracting from the wine’s beautiful fruit. Medium to full-bodied, with admirable elegance and purity as well as ripe tannin, this beauty can be enjoyed over the next 15+ years.

Faizeau Vieilles Vignes 2005, Montagne St Emilion, Bordeaux, France

Wine Advocate 90:

Possibly the finest Faizeau made to date, this sleeper of the vintage reveals a deep ruby/purple color along with a lovely nose of kirsch, licorice, and pain grille. Full-bodied, ripe, and seamless with excellent harmony among its component parts, it hit 14.5% natural alcohol and is made from 100% Merlot. This extravagant, flamboyant effort should drink well for a decade.(2008)