This is an absolutely spectacular effort from Christian Moueix’s tiny jewel in Pomerol – Hosanna. An extraordinary nose of blue and black fruits, floral notes, licorice, and truffle soars from the glass of this dense purple wine. A blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, this wine often has the most complex set of aromatics of any Pomerol. Velvety tannins, a multi-dimensional mouthfeel, and stunning finish give this full-bodied, extravagantly rich wine accessibility now, but it is certainly capable of lasting 25 or more years. Sadly, there are only 1,200 cases of this. (RP)

Medium to deep garnet in color, the 2005 Hosanna has a wonderfully perfumed nose of rose oil, sandalwood, and Indian spices over a core of kirsch, licorice, and fruitcake with a waft of unsmoked cigars. The medium to full-bodied palate is seductive and plush, with loads of exotic spice and black fruit layers with red berry accents and a long, opulent finish. (LPB)

The 2005 Hosanna is a dense, potent wine. Huge tannins wrap around a core of inky dark fruit, chocolate, spice, leather and menthol. The typical flamboyance of Hosanna is very much on display, but the tannins are equally potent. A few hours in the decanter brings out the wine's creaminess and volume, both of which are considerable. The 2005 is an especially somber, brooding Hosanna. (AG)