A final blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot from the Frey family, the 2005 is a gorgeous La Lagune, and one of the first great ones under the Frey administration. This wine has a dense ruby/purple color, a beautiful nose of sandalwood, black raspberries, and cassis, silky sweet tannin, medium to full body, and a textured, long, pure mouthfeel and finish. This wine is probably 3-4 years away from prime-time drinking, but it should evolve gorgeously for another 20-25 years. - Robert M. Parker, Jr.

Heading to tertiary in colour, gentle bricking around the edges, this is rich and complex on the nose, real depth of fruit, a ton of mint and eucalpytus, bitter chocolate and black pepper on the finish. Still plenty of structure at 17 years old, with the tannins now silky in texture. Definitely in its drinking window, but no need to rush, has a few more years of stretching out before it is fully at its peak. Has the energy that you find in the great wines of the vintage, and a ton of character. Impressive, one of the value 2005s to look out for.

The Château La Lagune 2005 has a strict and focused bouquet with brambly black fruit, pencil shaving and plenty of sous bois aromas that are well defined. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy tannin, foursquare in style but with impressive weight. There is a strong graphite element towards the finish that feels persistent in the mouth. Give this classy La Lagune a couple more years in bottle and give it respect.

Black in color. Blackberry, currant, sweet tobacco and hints of coffee follow through to a full body, with supersilky tannins and a long, chewy yet polished finish. The best in a long time from this producer. Best after 2014. – JS