“Hate to tell you, but 2005 is the real deal….I don’t think it makes much sense to say,as many Bordelais are already..that it is the finest vintage in memory, but it truly has everything….great aromatics…fabulous ripeness…high but sweet tannins…and amazing concentration….and unlike 2004,2003,2002,and 2001,it actually appears very consistent in all AOCs….but I will return in late March to do the full monty tastings….I can already see the “usual suspects” saying Bordeaux has sold its soul to a few American wine critics…why?…..alcohols in 2005 are higher than 2003(which are primarily in the 12.8-13.5% range)…blame the drought..tiny yields and abundant sunshine…the real causes…not any wine-writer…”

- January 13, 2005. eRobertParker.com

“Of course, I will be here in Bordeaux for another week,but 2005 is very exciting…and particularly at the lower levels….where a plethora of exceptional wines have been produced…and it is these wines which are never given a thought by the speculators so I think there will be many splendid 2005 Bordeaux available for very reasonable prices….unlike the famous names….you can be sure they will be priced in the stratosphere…the vintage is that exciting,and demand is already at a frightful fever pitch 4-6 weeks before prices are announced…..actually….to put it another way….the vintage looks to be historic in terms of what has emerged…..”

- March 18, 2005. eRobertParker.com