2005 Cambon La Pelouse, Haut-Médoc & Caronne Ste-Gemme, Haut-Médoc Horizontal

“A big-time sleeper of the vintage,. the 2005 Cambon La Pelouse possesses a dark ruby/purple hue as well as an exotic, flamboyant, fruity bouquet of black cherries, wood smoke, tobacco, and spice. Lush, round, and opulent, it is ideal for drinking over the next 5-6 years. This huge property, sandwiched between Cantemerle and Giscours, has released a blend of 50% Merlot and the rest primarily Cabernet Sauvignon with dollops of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. There are 17,500 cases of the 2005, undoubtedly the finest wine ever made at this estate. (RP)” (04/2008)

“Sexy aromas of raspberry liqueur, coffee and smoke, plus a tarry nuance. Rich, broad and dense, in an extractive modern style. This boasts an almost liqueur-like ripeness, and more volume than the '06 (ST)” (06/2007)

“Offers raisin and dried fruit, with very ripe fruit aromas and coffee and oak undertones. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long finish. This is pumped up, but I like the flamboyant character. *Smart Buys* (JL)” (03/2008)

“Space limitations did not allow complete tasting notes for this Cru Bourgeois, but 2005 is the finest vintage for these wines since 1982. The range of scores for these wines should give readers an idea of just how consistent this vintage is at this level. Given the style of the vintage, most of these wines should be accessible young yet evolve for a decade or more because of their concentration and tannic structure. (RP)” (04/2006)

“Considerable depth of flavor here, with complex ripe tannins, topping the dense black fruits. There’s spice from the wood, some stalky tannins from the fruit, and an edge of youth that will need 3–4 years to show its potential. *Cellar Selection* (RV)” (06/2008)