Château Monbousquet Saint-Emilion 2005

"Full ruby-red. Captivating aromas of black raspberry, smoked meat, mocha and licorice. Wonderfully sweet, dense and fat but with excellent vinosity and inner-mouth perfume to the flavors of berries, mocha and licorice. A compellingly tactile vintage for Monbousquet, with the substantial but sweet tannins buffered by the wine's chewy mid-palate material. This was aged in 80% new oak, compared to 60% to 65% in 2006 and 2007. Really transcends its less-than-ideal terroir in Saint Sulpice de Faleyrens."

93 Points

International Wine Cellar

"From a less than noble terroir in Saint-Sulpice de Faleyrens, Gerard Perse has accomplished miraculous things at Monbousquet. Prior to his acquisition of this property in the mid-nineties, this wine tasted like watered-down Beaujolais, but Perse has turned it into one of the more stunning, modern-styled wines of Bordeaux. A blend of approximately two-thirds Merlot, one-third Cabernet Franc and 8-10% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2005 exhibits plenty of toasty oak, roasted herb, meat juice, blackberry, cherry, and spice characteristics along with a touch of incense. Full-bodied and opulent, with an atypically rigid structure, this is a remarkable achievement for such a humble terroir. It admirably reflects Gerard Perse’s obsessive commitment to excellence. Look for this 2005 to hit its stride in 7-8 years, and last for 15-20."

95 Points

The Wine Advocate

"Shows beautiful aromas of crushed blackberry, currant and sultana. Full-bodied, with superfine tannins and a long, caressing finish. Balanced and beautiful. Best after 2012."

91 Points

Wine Spectator

1. Dom. Grand Veneur Chateauneuf du Pape Les Origines 2006
2. Château Grand-Pontet Saint-Emilion 2005
3. Marquis Philips S9 Shiraz 2006

1. Marques de Caceres Rioja Reserva 2001
2. Dom. Pierre Usseglio Chateauneuf du Pape Tradition 2006
3. Guigal Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2003

1. Kaesler Old Bastard Shiraz 2005
2. Kaesler Old Bastard Shiraz 2004
3. Santa Rita Carmenere Reserva 2006