2005 Chateau La Tour Haut-Brion Cru Classe, Pessac-Leognan 6x75cl

JancisRobinson.com 17

Mid garnet with a rim that is fading. Manly, savoury nose and tannins starting to recede. No excess of tannins, alcohol or sweetness. Very savoury and fresh. Far from heavy. Needs food.  [21/04/2017]

Anticipated maturity: 2016-2030

Robert Parker 89

Beginning in 2006, this vineyard became part of La Mission-Haut-Brion’s second wine, so 2005 will be the final vintage of La Tour Haut-Brion. That’s a shame as many superb, under-the-radar wines were produced under this moniker in the forties, fifties, sixties, seventies, and early eighties. The 2005 is a 2,000-case blend of 41% Cabernet Franc, 32% Merlot, and 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, a relatively high amount of Cabernet Sauvignon for a Pessac-Leognan property. It offers classic notes of scorched earth, asphalt, smoky black cherries, and roasted herbs. Medium-bodied and tannic, it is an excellent, but not inspirational claret that should be at its finest between 2013-2025. [01/04/2008]

Anticipated maturity: 2013-2025

Vinous 90+

Ruby-red. Plum, black raspberry and cedary oak on the nose. Pure but a bit tightly wound, with lovely texture and uncompromising dryness to the dark raspberry and tobacco flavors. With aeration, this gained in depth and breadth and showed lovely sweetness, but there’s very firm acidity here for the vintage. Built to age. Should make an excellent last vintage for this bottling. [Stephen Tanzer, 05/01/2008]