Professional Ratings

• 93 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
  Given traditional Burgundian-like treatments of malolactic in barrel and aging on its lees, the 2005 Balthus is an opaque purple-hued blockbuster offering up a sweet perfume of blueberry liqueur interwoven with notes of incense, camphor, spring flowers, and crushed rocks. Dense and full-bodied with stunning concentration, in a blind tasting it could easily beat out many classified growths. Drink it over the next 10-12 years.

  Along with consultant Michel Rolland, Yves Vatelot, who has done such a sensational job at Reignac, as well as consulting at Margaux’s Chateau Lascombes, produces this luxury cuvee. Made from extremely low yields of 15 hectoliters per hectare, from a 7.5-acre vineyard with 39-year old vines, this 100% Merlot is the finest example of Balthus yet made.