Clos des Papes (Avril) Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2005

'2007 Wine of the Year' and 98 points Wine Spectator: "This is really tight now, but it's packed with dark fig, currant, espresso, licorice and chocolate notes. Superfleshy but seriously structured, there's layer after layer of sweet spice, fruit and minerality pumping through the finish, with lots of latent depth and power. Far more backward than the 2003 and 2004 on release, but considering this typically puts on weight as it ages, it should be a monster--à la the 1990--when it reaches its peak. Best from 2009 through 2030. 7,500 cases made."

97 points Rhone Report: "Showing well but still a wine I recommend holding, the 2005 Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape displays awesome aromatics of kirsch and raspberry fruit, spice, licorice, and minerals. Maybe a touch of leather and meaty notes show up and I think this is starting to show signs of turning the corner towards the early stages of maturity. The palate shows the silky, elegant texture matched with the power and intensity that this estate delivers so well. Hold for another 3 years and then drink over the following 15. (Aug 2010)"

96 points Jeb Dunnuck: "As a comparison to the 2015, Paul-Vincent pulled out a 2005 Châteauneuf du Pape which is a vintage he finds comparable. I can’t disagree with him that wines show similar characters today, however, the 2005 was much more opulent and powerful on release compared to the 2015 today. The 2005 is drinking beautifully and is just now starting to show secondary nuances. Spice-box, cedar, beautiful black (and some red) fruits and garrigue emerge from this beauty and it’s polished and elegant on the palate. It terrific today with a short decant and will keep for another decade. (10/19/17)"

95 points Robert Parker: "The 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape has a deep ruby/purple color, identical alcohol to the 2006, and the same pH, but it is a much more tannic wine and the acids seem slightly more elevated, even though the analysis says they are not. A complex nose of resiny pine forest notes intermixed with black raspberry, sweet kirsch, licorice and lavender jumps from the glass of this deep ruby/purple-colored wine. Full-bodied, powerful, rich, and tannic, this wine begs for 4-5 years of bottle age and should keep for 25+ years. In short, you can’t go wrong with either of these vintages, although the 2006 will provide more up-front charm, and the window for drinking it will be just as long as the 2005. Patience will be required for the 2005. (Oct 2007)"

95 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "(65% grenache, 20% mourvedre, 10% syrah and the rest 'the others'). Deep red. Explosively perfumed nose offers a profound bouquet of red and dark berries, licorice, incense and musky underbrush. Broad, palate-staining raspberry and blackcurrant flavors are enveloped in velvety tannins, with suave anise and Asian spices adding complexity. A huge but balanced-even graceful-wine, with a finish that refuses to let go of the palate. This remarkable young Chateauneuf has the sheer sex appeal to enjoy young but also possesses superb cellaring potential. I'd hold mine. (Jan/Feb 2008)"