2005 Ch. la Mission Haut-Brion, Pessac-Léognan

This is quite wonderful. A spectacular nose of minerals, spices and crushed blackberries, is the perfect entrée for the elegant creamy black fruit on the palate marked by incredible purity and elegance. Perfectly integrated tannins provide hidden power beneath the intense, seductive character. This is more approachable at this stage than any La Mission we've tasted and experience suggests that it will fill out significantly, taking on even more body and substance, in the years to come. Only 5500 cases of this classic were made in 2005.

... An enormously endowed wine with huge tannin and structure, the 2005 offers a quintessential Graves bouquet of burning embers, charcoal, blackberries, truffles, black currants, and a meaty character. Reminiscent of the 1989, with more structure as well as a longer window of drinkability, the 2005 may be a modern day, improved version of a vintage such as 1955, which was well-endowed, very tannic, and took a long time to come around. While fabulously full-bodied and unctuous, the 2005 will not provide much charm in its youth. It needs 8-10 years of cellaring, and should age effortlessly for 30-40 years.
(Robert Parker - Wine Advocate - 30-Apr-2008)

The Indian spices and blackberry on the nose are so enticing and inspiring, leading to a full-bodied palate, with very polished tannins that caress. Goes on and on as this builds on the palate, with a mineral and berry aftertaste. For long-term aging. Best after 2015. 5,665 cases made.
(James Suckling - Wine Spectator - 31-Mar-2008)