Robert Parker

"The 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape (15.3% alcohol) has a deeper color than the 2004 and 2003 that I tasted side by side, and with its dense ruby/purple color to the rim, the wine has a fabulous bouquet of kirsch liqueur, raspberries, licorice, and a combination of spice and Provencal herbs. It is rich, full-bodied, with high but sweet tannin, good acidity, and a blockbuster finish of close to 45+ seconds. This is a knock-out wine that will probably need 4-5 years of bottle age and last for 20-25 years." -Robert Parker

"This Clos des Papes is for me the best of the recent trio of classics from the 2005, 2004 and 2003 vintages. It combines terrific fruit with superb structure, and should rival the 1990 when it reaches maturity. It’s really tight now, but it’s packed with dark fig, currant, espresso, licorice and chocolate notes. Superfleshy but seriously structured, there’s layer after layer of sweet spice, fruit and minerality pumping through the finish, with lots of latent depth and power. Far more backward than the 2003 and 2004 on release, but considering this typically puts on weight as it ages, it should be a monster when it reaches its peak." -James Molesworth