2005 Château de Fieuzal

($42-$50) Good dark red. Roasted plum and beefsteak tomato; showing the exotically ripe side of the vintage. Fat, lush and sweet, with flavors similar to the aromas. Plenty of mocha and nuts from the oak, as well as some slightly drying wood tannins on the finish. Rich but a bit lacking in energy, and probably best suited for drinking in the near to medium term.

Author: Stephen Tanzer

Issue: May/June 2008

Earthy and meaty on the nose, with lots of ripe fruit. Full-bodied, soft and round. There's loads of Pessac character, with hints of vanilla and coffee. A decadent style.

Author: James Suckling

Probably the best Fieuzal I have tasted in many a year, the 2005 has a dense purple color and a gorgeous nose of charcoal, graphite, blackcurrants, cherries and earth. It is medium to full-bodied and very rich, with ripe tannin and a multidimensional mouthfeel. This is a superb wine and a great success for the chA?A›teau. Drink it over the next 25+ years.

Author: Robert Parker

Slightly weak rim. Overripe nose. Very sweet and a lack of freshness even if the acidity, very separate from the fruit on the finish, is notable. Furry.

Author: Jancis Robinson