Château Brane-Cantenac Margaux 2005

"A magnificent effort, the 2005 is the greatest Brane-Cantenac I have tasted. Even more compelling than it was last year, it admirably demonstrates why this was such a highly regarded property in the middle of the 19th century. Boasting a dense purple color, stunning sweetness, and a glorious perfume of spring flowers, lead pencil shavings, black cherry jam, and blackberries, it is an elegantly styled wine with gorgeous concentration, superb harmony, beautifully integrated tannin and acidity, and an expansive, long finish. Yet, the overall impression is one of finesse, elegance, and serious flavor concentration. While it will undoubtedly last 30 years or more, it is hard to know whether it will close down or become more drinkable. I recommend giving it 3-4 years of bottle age and drinking it over the following two and a half decades."
-Wine Advocate 93-95

1. Château Grand-Pontet Saint-Emilion 2005
2. Château Brane-Cantenac Margaux 2005
3. Chateau d'Armailhac Pauillac 2005

1. Col Solare 2002
2. Winemaker's Collection Michel Rolland Cuvee 1 2005
3. Château Leoville Las Cases 2004

1. Regaleali Cygnus 2002
2. Marchesi di Barolo Barbera d'Alba Ruvei 2005
3. Laboure Roi Beaujolais Villages St. Armand 2006