Beausejour Duffau

2005

Wine Advocate 91: While no one will confuse the 2005 with this estate’s prodigious 1990, it is an outstanding effort from one of St.-Emilion’s finest terroirs. In terms of potential, the vineyard is exceeded only by Ausone, Pavie and Belair for micro-climate and exposition. A beautiful dark ruby/purple color is accompanied by an ethereal nose of blueberry liqueur, spring flowers, melted licorice, raspberries, and crushed rocks. Medium-bodied with good acidity, sweet but high tannin, a broad mouthfeel, and admirable elegance as well as freshness, this beauty should age easily for 25+ years. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2035.

Vinous 95: Saturated ruby color. Extravagant aromas of blueberry jam, kirsch, roast coffee and sexy oak; slightly liqueur-like in its huge ripeness (this is reportedly just over 14% alcohol). Wonderfully dense, sweet and powerful, but excellent acidity gives definition to the primary black fruit, earth and mineral flavors. Today the wine's strong acids and huge tannins have not yet come into harmony, but this is a hugely endowed young wine with an extraordinarily creamy middle and great palate-saturating breadth on the back. A great vintage in the making for this property.