James Suckling (94)

This is amazing for the second wine with incredible white truffle, stone and currant character. Purity of fruit on the nose. Full-bodied, silky and refined. Fantastic length. Better in 2018 but almost impossible to resist now. Incredible.

Jeb Dunnuck (100)

The 2005 Angelus is as good as it gets, and despite having 2-3 decades of prime drinking ahead of it, is as profound a drinking experience as money can buy even today. Offering off the hook notes of blackcurrants, smoked herbs, blackberries, toasted spice, espresso and scorched earth, this beauty is unctuous and opulent on the palate, with incredible depth, yet never seems heavy, cumbersome or over the top. It has more depth and concentration than the 1990 (and I suspect any vintage in the 1990s or 2000s) and will keep for another 30 years or more.

Wine Advocate (90)

A sleeper of the vintage, this 2005 seems to be close to its plateau of maturity. It exhibits a dense ruby/plum/purple color, wonderfully sweet and silky tannins, loads of blackcurrant and floral-infused fruit, medium body and a long, layered, elegant and pure personality. It is drinking quite well and exhibiting no reason to extend its aging. This wine should continue to offer gorgeous and good-value drinking for another decade.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (100)

The 2005 Ausone is magnificent. A wine of soaring intensity and class, the 2005 dazzles from the very first taste. The aromatics alone are captivating, with notes of cinnamon, mint, crushed rocks, blood orange, mocha and incense. Graceful and stately in bearing, the 2005 boasts tremendous purity and breathtaking balance. Readers will find a stunning Saint-Émilion that is just at the beginning of what promises to be a very long drinking window that will be measured in decades. It is a towering achievement from the Vauthier family.

Wine Spectator (96)

Remarkably pure, sleek and refined, with a faint chalk thread perfectly embedded in the core of red currant, cherry and damson plum fruit. Very sleek, with refined tannins and impressive length, this is balanced to a T. A wine of distinction that seems destined to improve as the remaining limestone portions of the vineyard are replanted. This is also the first vintage that includes the portions from the former Magdelaine estate. Tasted non-blind. Score range: 93-96 -JM

Wine Advocate (94)

The first bottle of 2005 Bellevue that I tasted had a maderized, oxidized nose that was off-putting. This note is from a second bottle. This second bottle showed absolutely no trace of oxidation, but did offer plenty of crushed, chalky minerality, notes of plum, blueberry, black raspberry and cherry fruit, a dense purple color, a full-bodied mouthfeel, and fabulous structure, purity and length. It should drink well for at least another 20+ years.

Wine Advocate (96)

The smallest of the Perse estates, this tiny property situated on pure limestone produces a wine made from a blend of 90% Merlot and the rest equal parts Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. One of the superstars of this vintage, the 2012 is opaque purple and exhibits tremendous concentration and richness, a full-bodied mouthfeel, and a layered texture that builds incrementally without any heaviness or cloying characteristics. This is stunning, great, old-style, yet progressively made Bordeaux to drink over the next 25-30 years. The alcohol level is 14.3%.

The Wine Independent (94)

The 2005 Beychevelle is composed of 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot. Deep brick in color, it skips out with shimmery, care-free scents of kirsch, raspberry pie, blackcurrant pastilles, and rose oil, followed by suggestions of Ceylon tea, unsmoked cigars, and red loam. The medium-bodied palate is built like a brick house, featuring firm, grainy tannins and seamless freshness to support the youthful black and red fruits, leading to a finish of great length and depth on this stunning wine.

Wine Spectator (92-94)

Lots of blackberry, spice, tar and licorice. Full-bodied, thick and rich. This is very dense. Pure fruit. Best ever from here. Score range: 92-94

Wine Enthusiast (95)

94-96 Barrel sample. Initially this wine seems soft, but then it becomes obvious that the tannins are very present, dry and massive. But they are already well integrated, going together with the herbs, the spice and pure black fruit flavors. Impressive wine.

Wine Advocate (94)

A luxury cuvée from this tiny, 15-acre vineyard in the heart of Léognan owned by the Garcin family, the final blend on the 2012 Garcin is 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc and the rest Merlot. A big, full-throttle, full-bodied, impressive Pessac-Leognan, with notes of charcoal fires, burning embers, blueberry and blackberry fruit, this full-bodied, rich, supple wine is very impressive, beautifully textured and quite pure and long. This is a star of the vintage and certainly one of the best Pessac-Léognans. Drink it over the next 10-15 years.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (95)

The 2005 Canon is all brawn and muscle. Chunky tannins give the 2005 a decidedly virile feel. There is plenty of depth and freshness - this is after all one of the very best sites in all of Bordeaux - so the 2005 will hold for many years to come. Dark fruit, leather, smoke, gravel, crushed rocks and spice linger on the potent finish. Tasting the 2005 today really highlights how far Canon has come in recent years

Wine Advocate (94)

A dense ruby/purple color is followed by notes of black raspberries, blueberries, crushed rocks and spring flowers. This medium to full-bodied, well-endowed, authoritative Canon reveals some serious tannin in the finish, so 4-5 years of cellaring will be needed after bottling. It should last 15-20 years.

Indulge in the bold elegance of Canon Chaigneau 2012, an exquisite Bordeaux Supérieur hailing from the renowned Lalande de Pomerol region in France. Crafted by Nathalie and Lionel Chaigneau, this vintage is a testament to their meticulous commitment to quality, derived entirely from 35-year-old Merlot vines. Canon Chaigneau 2012 exhibits an enticing deep ruby hue, with delightfully balanced notes of ripe black fruit, woody undertones, and a whisper of vanilla.

Meticulously aged in French oak barrels, enriching the wine's complexity and offering a seductively smooth finish, Canon Chaigneau 2012 is a true vinous expression of its terroir. Celebrated by fine wine connoisseurs globally, this elegant wine is perfect for immediate enjoyment or further maturing up to a decade. A perfect addition to any discerning wine collection, Canon Chaigneau 2012 brings to life the artistry and sophistication that is characteristic of the world-class viticulture of Bordeaux.

James Suckling (92)

This red shows some cassis, blueberries and floral notes on the nose. Some tar, too. Medium to full body, juicy tannins and a fruity finish. Enticing wine. Drink now or hold.

Wine Enthusiast (91)

Though this is the second wine for Lafite-Rothschild, it is a major wine in its own right, with its dense, powered fruit and a structure obviously built to last. There is sweet, rich fruit and lively vibrant acidity. Imported by Domaines Barons de Rothschild and multiple U.S. importers.

Aside from producing some of the greatest, rarest wine on Earth, Ausone’s terroir is exceptional for its consistency. Vintage after vintage, both its Grand Vin and second wine excel whilst others stumble – the latter representing a miniscule 10% of the total production of an already dramatically small amount. The perfect illustration of this, barely 500 cases of Chapelle d’Ausone were made in 2005 – it is astonishing that there are any left!

2005 was a particularly extraordinary vintage for Ausone. The very first year in which Pauline Vauthier took full control of winemaking decisions, both wines from the property are as stunning a debut as any vigneron on the planet has had. 2005 is, in general, an excellent vintage in Bordeaux, famed for its purity, freshness and fruit underpinned by muscular yet fine tannins. A vintage that required time in bottle, it is finally rewarding collectors ten times over for their patience.

Wine Advocate (93)

One can’t say enough about the amazing job that Alain Vauthier and his daughter have done at this historic property on the decomposed limestone slopes of St.-Emilion. About half of their production goes into the second wine, Chapelle D’Ausone, which gives you an indication of the compulsive perfectionist attitude of the Vauthiers. The 2012 Chapelle D’Ausone has a dense ruby/purple color and is rich, broad and expansive, with notes of plum, blueberry and black raspberry fruit, powdered chalk and flowers. The wine is medium to full-bodied, beautifully pure and long and rich. This is better than many of the vintages of Ausone in the 1940s, 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s, which says a lot about what Vauthier has achieved. Drink it over the next 20-25 years.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (90)

The 2012 Puygueraud is a soft, supple red to drink now and over the next handful of years. Licorice, tobacco, menthol, plums and earthy notes are all laced together nicely in the glass. Medium in body and already quite forward, the 2012 is an excellent choice for drinking over the next handful of years. An intriguing array of sweet and savory notes lingers on the inviting finish. The tannins are a bit gritty, but this is a solid effort nonetheless. The 2012 is 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Malbec.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (100)

The 2005 Cheval Blanc is another wine that is utterly mesmerizing from the moment it is opened. Exquisite in its aromatics, the 2005 Cheval is sublime on the palate, where the interplay of Merlot and Cabernet Franc proves to be captivating. In a night of truly spellbinding wines, the Cheval makes a deep impression because of its overall finesse and nuance. Along with the Margaux and Haut-Brion, the Cheval speaks to total refinement and polish. The Cheval is of course not one of the bigger, more imposing wines of the night, but it is among the most complete, which makes it the perfect wine to close out an incredible night. When we first opened the 2005, I thought it might very well be the wine of the night. A few hours later, it was every bit as impressive.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (100)

The 2005 Cheval Blanc is another wine that is utterly mesmerizing from the moment it is opened. Exquisite in its aromatics, the 2005 Cheval is sublime on the palate, where the interplay of Merlot and Cabernet Franc proves to be captivating. In a night of truly spellbinding wines, the Cheval makes a deep impression because of its overall finesse and nuance. Along with the Margaux and Haut-Brion, the Cheval speaks to total refinement and polish. The Cheval is of course not one of the bigger, more imposing wines of the night, but it is among the most complete, which makes it the perfect wine to close out an incredible night. When we first opened the 2005, I thought it might very well be the wine of the night. A few hours later, it was every bit as impressive.

Jeb Dunnuck (96+)

A step up over the 2011, the 2012 Chateau Cheval Blanc offers a similar medium to full-bodied, elegant style yet has slightly more freshness and purity. Smoked black fruits, cassis, tobacco leaf, and sappy flower notes all emerge from this thrillingly textured, balanced, focused 2012. It opens up with time in the glass, has ripe, sweet tannins, and it’s another one of those wines that offers pleasure today yet will cruise for decades. The final blend is the usual 54% Merlot and 46% Cabernet Franc. Readers should be happy to have bottles in their cellars.

Wine Spectator (95)

Offers fabulous aromas of currant, tar, lead pencil and mineral. Full-bodied, with supersoft tannins that caress the palate. Beautiful and impressive. A fabulous wine. The best Clerc in a very long time. Best after 2014. 10,000 cases made. -JS

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93+)

The 2012 Clerc Milon is dark, bold and exuberant in the glass. Plums, black cherries, tobacco and graphite are all pushed forward. Even with its considerable creaminess and overall depth, the 2012 has plenty of tannin lurking underneath, so readers would be well served cellaring the wine for at least a few years.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (90)

The 2012 Clos Badon is bold, dark and enticing, with striking aromatics to match the intense, voluptuous fruit. Black cherry, plum, crème de cassis and sweet spices are laced together in an open-knit, supple Saint Emilion with tons of near-term appeal. One of the hidden gems of the vintage, the Clos Badon should drink well for at least another handful of years. The blend is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc.

Wine Advocate (94)

From the Comte von Neipperg, his wines from this over-achieving estate always deliver an aromatic fireworks display of cedar wood, Christmas fruitcake, roasted herbs, black olive, cassis and sweet kirsch. The 2005 has all that as well as ripe, well-integrated, velvety tannin, and full body in a sexy, luscious, heady style to drink now and over the next 10-15 years.

Wine Advocate (95)

Another inky, opaque, purple-colored wine with beautiful blackcurrant, black raspberry, licorice and earthy undertones, this full-bodied, opulent, dense, rich 2012 (90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 14.3% alcohol) is a tour de force in this vintage. This over-achieving estate has hit a home run, which is especially impressive in 2012. This wine ideally needs several years of bottle age and should drink well for 15 or more years.

Indulge in the coveted Clos Margalaine 2012; an eloquent manifestation of winemaking skill, hailing from the prestigious Pauillac appellation of Bordeaux. Crafted by an esteemed producer, the considerable attention given to its making is evident in every sip. The illustrious terroir offers an exemplary Cabernet Sauvignon blend with Merlot, embodying a splendid balance, abundance of flavours and skilful structure.

Fermented in stainless steel vats, the Clos Margalaine 2012 portrays an essence that brims with robust red-fruit flavours, partnered with refined tannins and an enduring finish. The 14-month maturation in oak barrels lends a charming complexity and depth, resulting in a wine that requires patient cellaring yet rewards abundantly when uncorked.

A sure delight for the discerning palate, the Clos Margalaine 2012 stands a testament to the fine interplay between superb grapes, masterful vinification, and the magnificent Bordeaux terroir. Appreciate the timeless artistry of this extraordinary representation of French viticulture.