Chateau Magdelaine Saint Emilion Grand Cru 2005

VM94+: Bright ruby. Sexy, compelling nose of blackcurrant, violet, white pepper and minerals is an absolute knockout. Then very refined on the palate, with a delicate spiciness to the blackcurrant, red plum and mineral flavors, but with noteworthy fleshiness and ripeness lifted by harmonious acidity. This is a very great and impeccably balanced Magdelaine in the making. Finishes long and silky, with a persistent strawberry note. Jean Claude Berrouet considers this to be a classic Magdelaine: very well balanced and delicious. I think this is an excellent example of just how easy it is to misjudge Magdelaine on release and how well it develops in bottle in strong vintages.

WA93+: From the stable of Jean-Pierre Moueix, this estate has now been absorbed by the nearby Belair (renamed Belair-Monange). Exhibiting gorgeous kirsch liqueur notes with some plum and Asian spice and dense ruby/garnet to the rim, this 2005 is full-bodied, rich, and bigger and more masculine than this wine tends to be. It is a beauty, with loads of fruit, great purity and texture. Drink it over the next 20-25 years.