Robert Parker
RP
95
"Laurent’s 2005 Châteauneuf du Pape continues to show brilliantly. Made from the standard estate blend of 85% Grenache and then 5% each of Syrah, Mourvèdre and Vaccarese, aged all in concrete tank, it offers up a thrilling bouquet of kirsch and darker berry-styled fruits, flowers, licorice and pepper. Gorgeous on all accounts, with full-bodied richness, beautiful purity and laser focus and precision on the palate, drink this rock-star Châteauneuf anytime over the coming 10-15 years."
Wine Spectator
WS
94
"Forward and lush for the vintage, with dark currant and fig paste flavors backed by licorice, coffee, garrigue and braised beef notes. The long, smoky finish has a lingering touch of mesquite. The profile is black fruit, but the structure is remarkably elegant for the vintage, with lovely poise."
