A beautiful wine from Dany and Michel Rolland, this 2005 is surprisingly concentrated and powerful – more so than usual. Deep ruby/purple, with plenty of black cherry and cassis fruit, licorice and a touch of caramel, this wine is still full, youthful, and set for another 15-20 years of longevity. This is a beauty and one of their strongest efforts in the first decade of the 21st century. For a terroir considered well below Pomerol’s superstars, this wine is a major overachiever. - Robert Parker

Ripe blackberries, toasted spices, saddle leather, and dried herb like nuances all emerge from the 2005 Château Le Bon Pasteur, a medium to full-bodied, beautifully layered, seamless Pomerol. Based on 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, drink this balanced, pleasure bent yet elegant 2005 any time over the coming decade or more.

Tasted at the chateau with Dany Rolland as part of a vertical, this is superior to other bottles that I had tasted hitherto. The 2005 has a very deep garnet/purple colour. The bouquet is rich and hedonistic, black plum, liquorice and a touch of white pepper before calming down with aeration. There appears to be a lot of glycerine. The palate is full-bodied, slightly grainy on the entry, firm tannins, nicely poised, becoming more masculine and assertive towards the finish. Not a decadent Bon Pasteur - this is a wine with serious intentions (perhaps challenging the 2000 or 1998 in 20 years time!) There is impressive weight and persistency on the finish. This is a long-term Bon Pasteur.