Harvested at the end of September and a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc that saw 80% new oak, the 2005 Clos De L'Oratoire is a healthy ruby hue and reveals a gorgeous perfume of red and black fruits, white truffle, spice, and leather that develops incredible complexity with air. It's medium to full-bodied, has fine, silky tannins, and a great finish.

From the Comte von Neipperg, his wines from this over-achieving estate always deliver an aromatic fireworks display of cedar wood, Christmas fruitcake, roasted herbs, black olive, cassis and sweet kirsch. The 2005 has all that as well as ripe, well-integrated, velvety tannin, and full body in a sexy, luscious, heady style to drink now and over the next 10-15 years. - Robert M. Parker, Jr.