95 points, Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
October 2007
The 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape has a deep ruby/purple color, identical alcohol to the 2006, and the same pH, but it is a much more tannic wine and the acids seem slightly more elevated, even though the analysis says they are not. A complex nose of resiny pine forest notes intermixed with black raspberry, sweet kirsch, licorice and lavender jumps from the glass of this deep ruby/purple-colored wine. Full-bodied, powerful, rich, and tannic, this wine begs for 4-5 years of bottle age and should keep for 25+ years. In short, you can't go wrong with either of these vintages, although the 2006 will provide more up-front charm, and the window for drinking it will be just as long as the 2005. Patience will be required for the 2005.
94-96 points, Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
February 2007
The 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape (15.3% alcohol) has a deeper color than the 2004 and 2003 that I tasted side by side, and with its dense ruby/purple color to the rim, the wine has a fabulous bouquet of kirsch liqueur, raspberries, licorice, and a combination of spice and Provencal herbs. It is rich, full-bodied, with high but sweet tannin, good acidity, and a blockbuster finish of close to 45+ seconds. This is a knock-out wine that will probably need 4-5 years of bottle age and last for 20-25 years.
94-97 points, Stephen Tanzer
January 2007
Avril presented the components, from foudres, and opined that he now prefers this to showing an approximate blend because "blending on the spot isn't an assemblage, it's just a melange, and a wine needs two months after blending to harmonize." Sample #1, 70% grenache and 30% mourvedre: Blackberry, dark cherry, plum and licorice on the nose. Sweeter on the palate, with bright raspberry and bitter cherry flavors. This is "about 15.8% alcohol," says Avril. Sample #2, 70% grenache and 30% syrah: Intensely perfumed nose combines powerful kirsch, cassis and Asian spices. Silky and sweet, with a deep cherry flavor and suave tannins. Sample #3, a blend of 80% grenache, 10% mourvedre and 10% syrah: A strong floral quality lifts the ripe raspberry and licorice aromas. Lush, broad and silky, with impressive concentration. Sample #4, all grenache: Bright raspberry and strawberry on the nose. Impressively silky and sweet, with strong minerality, fine tannins and excellent persistence. The final blend should be a great Clos des Papes.
98 points, Wine Spectator
October 2007
This Clos des Papes is for me the best of the recent trio of classics from the 2005, 2004, and 2003 vintages. It combines terrific fruit with superb structure, and should rival the 1990 when it reaches maturity...
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