2005 Château Destieux

A well-known and consistent wine from the estate of Christian Dauriac, this big, plump, opulent 2005 is one of the best wines I have ever tasted from this estate. It is full-bodied and multi-dimensional, with a big, juicy texture and loads of plum, blackcurrant, spicy oak and minerality. Full and rich, with the tannins just beginning to show some resolution and better integration, this is a big-time sleeper of the vintage that should drink well for another 15-20 years.

Author: Robert Parker

Full ruby-red. Aromas of blackberry coulis, violet and bitter chocolate, complicated by smoky, toasty oak. Sweet, lush and ripe, with good depth to the black cherry and smoky oak flavors. Broad and mouthfilling. Finishes with dusty, sweet tannins that reach the front teeth. A very strong effort for this property. (I found the '06 lean and tart by comparison, in need of more sweetness and stuffing.)

Author: Stephen Tanzer

Issue: May/June 2007

Slightly grey look and simple boiled fruit aromas. No elegance, not fresh enough.

Author: Jancis Robinson

Issue: 04/19/2006

Very pretty mineral, blackberry and light vanilla aromas follow through to a full body, with supervelvety tannins and a long aftertaste of ripe fruit and cream.

Author: James Suckling