Chateau La Fleur de Bouard 2005

WEINWISSER: "Sehr dunkles, dichtes Violett-Lila. Warmes, aromatisches Heidelbeer- und Brombeerbouquet, sanft milchig im Anflug. Im Gaumen reif, Rumtopffrüchte, Amarenakirschen, stoffiges, süsses und auch dichtes Extrakt, im Finale Black Currant, verlangendes Potenzial."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "A gorgeously dense ruby/purple-colored wine, the 2005 La Fleur de Boüard is a blend of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged nearly 20 months in new oak. A big wine (14% alcohol), it is rich, concentrated, full-bodied and performs far above its official pedigree. It can be drunk over the next 10+ years."

FALSTAFF: "Tiefdunkles Rubingranat, fast schwarzer Kern, violette Reflexe, in der Nase intensives reifes Beerenkonfit, Dörrobstnuance, etwas Schokolade, opulent, aber nicht überreif. Am Gaumen stoffig und elegant, feine, trinkanimierende Schokolade-Tannine, bleibt sehr gut haften, gutes Entwicklungspotenzial."

WINE ENTHUSIAST: "With its high proportion of Merlot, this is a slinky, rich wine, smooth and ripe. Yes, there are tannins, but the jammy fruit softens the dark corners."

JAMES SUCKLING: " Good amounts of spice, think cinnamon, and dark berries on the nose. Full to medium-bodied, with fine tannins and flavors of cedar and chocolate. No need to wait here. Enjoy this."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Mature and ready to drink, the soft, round, open wine has a personality of sweet black cherries, licorice, coffee bean and dark chocolate. This is in the sweet spot. The wine was produced from a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Round, soft and very velvety, with gorgeous fruit and tannins. Full-bodied, chewy and seductive. This is big and juicy. Best after 2012. 6,415 cases made. — JS"