The 2005 La Tour Figeac is a stunner of a wine from proprietor Otto Rettenmaier. (The wife of Stéphane Derenoncourt is the consulting winemaker). The estate, which sits on the Pomerol border on what is called the Graves of St.-Emilion, has produced a wine dominated by Merlot, followed by Cabernet Franc. Absolutely extraordinary and one of their great successes, this 2005 is a sleeper of the vintage. Opaque purple, it possesses a beautiful nose of licorice, forest floor, blackberry and cassis fruit. Full-bodied and opulent, with sweet tannin, it is approachable, but with considerable upside still remaining. This wine should continue to drink well for another 15 or more years. - Robert M. Parker, Jr.

A clear purple and ruby core circled by a bright pink rim. The nose has a very nice complexity to it adding a darker smoky and gamy quality with gorgeous hints of aged pecorino over bold fresh red fruits along with a sweeter caramel and toasted cedar quality. In the mouth the wine is sweet and soft up front building to a nicely balanced core of fruit and tannins. Pure and rich the palate is dominated by bold red and black cherry flavors leading to a lingering spicy and vanilla cedar finish.

Medium intensity ruby colour, this is easy and approachable, juicy, balanced, and ready to drink. Focus on raspberry, iris, tobacco and soy notes, the acidities are a touch high but there is vintage character in the classicisim, and it will continue to deliver for another decade. Otto-Maximilian Rottenmaier owner.