Pape Clément Pessac-Léognan 2005

98 points Robert Parker: "Probably the greatest Pape-Clement ever made, the dense purple-colored 2005 (a blend of 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon) exhibits sumptuous notes of smoky scorched earth, graphite, melted licorice, and blackberries. Once past the exquisite perfume, the wine reveals full body, extraordinary concentration, plenty of chocolate, smoke, cassis, and blackberry flavors, and that unmistakable volcanic ash-like earthiness that comes from this appellation. The tannins are slightly sweeter than those found in most northern Medocs, but this is still a backward, large-scaled effort that requires 7-8 years of cellaring. It should last for 30-35 years. (Aug 2008)"

97 points Bettane & Desseauve's Guide to the Wines of France: "The most complex of these Pape Clément wines on the nose and palate. It is splendidly built, long, generous, in Olympic shape. Drink: 2011 up to 2030. (2011)"

96 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2005 Pape Clément is a blockbuster. Rich, heady and explosive, the 2005 packs a serious punch. Inky black fruit, new leather, spice, menthol, chocolate, gravel and scorched earth are all kicked up in this decidedly flamboyant Pessac-Léognan. The 2005 boasts tremendous depth, but equally lavish new oak. Even with all of the oak, the 2005 is fabulous. It just could have been more, a lot more. Ultimately, the 2005 is a wine of its era more than anything else. Drink: 2021-2035. (Apr 2021)"

96 points Wine Spectator: "Dark in color, offering wonderful aromas of licorice, berry, fresh tobacco and currant, with Indian spices. Complex and full-bodied, with supersilky tannins that caress every inch of the palate. Long and satisfying. A joy to taste this young wine. Best after 2015. (3/31/08)"

96 points Connoisseurs' Guide: "One of the real stars in 2005, not just of its district, but in all of Bordeaux, Pape-Clement is a downright opulent wine with enormous, optimally ripened, black currant fruit, load of rich oak and a sense of succulence equaled by few. It is already beginning to show real complexity by way of its mildly toasty, tobacco-like accents and its flashes of olives and herbs, and it is firmed by wonderfully refined tannins that promise to hold it in fine stead for decades to come. (Mar 2008)"

95 points Jane Anson (Inside Bordeaux): "(55% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon). Far younger and intense in colour than the 2000, this has black chocolate and slate flavours, balancing sweet, well-ripened cassis and raspberry fruits with fresher pulses of minerality. A lovely wine that is a great reflection of the finesse of the vintage. As it opens dried herbs of rosemary and garrigue come through, as does a cold ash character. 38hl/h yield. 100% new oak. Michel Rolland consultant. Alcohol 13.5%. Drink: 2021-2040.(11/4/21)"

18.5/20 points Stephen Brook (The World of Fine Wine): "Opaque red. Imperious nose, with pure blackcurrant fruit and considerable lift. Rather dominated by new oak at present but has enough weight of fruit to carry it. Bright attack, with intense fruit, great energy, and a tight structure. The acidity is invigorating, and though the wine is adolescent in fruit expression, it glitters--a brilliant result. (Issue #26; 2009)"