2005 Le Bahans du Château Haut-Brion, Pessac-Léognan

As usual, the 2005 Bahans-Haut-Brion mirrors its bigger brother, but is softer with more forward fruit as well as lighter tannin. Its aromas and flavors are similar to those of Haut-Brion. It should last a lot longer than its forwardness would suggest (the 1989 is still drinking beautifully), drinking well for 15 or more years.

The second wine, the 2005 Bahans-Haut-Brion, is a fruit-forward, deliciously soft, round, stylish offering possessing hints of figs, plums, black currants, cherries, and minerals. Soft, with supple tannin, it is ideal for drinking over the next 12-15 years. By the way, in 2007, this cuvee's name will be changed to Le Clarence de Haut-Brion.
(Robert Parker - Wine Advocate - 30-Apr-2008)

Soft and balanced, showing lovely velvety tannins and lots of coffee, chocolate, toasty oak and mushroom character, with bright fruit underneath. Full-bodied, round and unctuous. The second wine of Haut-Brion. Best after 2013. 9,580 cases made.
(James Suckling - Wine Spectator - 31-Mar-2008)
Wine Spectator

Deep crimson with a definitely shocking pink rim. Light nose but very dense. Great sweetness on the front palate. Very mellifluous. More marked acidity than the Chapelle de la Mission; a little tougher and definitely different. More layers and stricter than the Chapelle. Should provide very appetising drinking. Very pure and persistent. Excellent.
(Jancis Robinson - jancisrobinson.com - 14-Apr-2006)

Jancis Robinson