As so often, Pétrus has the ability to charm and impress, to seduce and overwhelm. This 2005, one of the greatest vintages from this great chateau, is massive and concentrated, with flavors of ripe black figs, chocolate and dark plums. Put that all together and the result is the utmost deliciousness, freshness and elegance. A major wine.

A brick house, with a strong ganache, charcoal and roasted alder spine that remains the dominant feature for now, though there's ample black currant, plum and raspberry fruit in reserve. Offers a muscular yet racy finish, thanks to a beautiful graphite note that drives through. Though unlikely to surpass them, this will nonetheless give '09 and '10 a run for their money.-Non-blind La Fleur-Pétrus vertical (December 2015). Best from 2020 through 2035.