2005 Chateau Grand-Puy Ducasse 5eme Cru Classe, Pauillac

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 30/04/2008 Another “best ever” performance, the Grand-Puy-Ducasse is made in a charming style for a 2005 Pauillac. This deep ruby-hued, very concentrated, precocious, showy effort displays copious quantities of sweet oak intermixed with black cherries, black currants, velvety tannins, medium body, and loads of fruit. It can be drunk now or cellared for 15-20 years. Although slightly less impressive than it was last year, this charming, precociously styled effort is still a sleeper of the vintage. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by a sweet bouquet of creamy oak, black cherries, and black currants, supple tannins, and a ripe, heady finish. It should drink well for 15+ years. (87-90)

Full bright ruby. Cool aromas of blackberry, kirsch, licorice and fresh herbs; slightly inky. Moderately dense and juicy, with medicinal black cherry and herbal flavors that are a bit dominated by the wine's structure today. Finishes with reasonably ripe tannins and good length, but shows a hint of dryness.