2005 Lucien Le Moine, Bonnes Mares Grand Cru 1x750ml

Vinous 94+

Deep red-ruby. Musky, deep nose offers black raspberry, blueberry and medicinal spices. Then chewy, deep and incredibly sweet on the palate, with a distinctly firm edge to its well-delineated flavors of black and blue fruits, tar and iron filings. Conveys a powerful impression of extract and finishes with substantial tannins. As sweet as this is, it calls for extended cellaring. [Stephen Tanzer, 03/01/2008]

Robert Parker 95

Saouma makes no secret of the fact that his 2005 Bonnes Mares " and in fact that cru in general " is his personal favorite. The nose suggests concentrated confiture of red and black raspberries with salty, resinous and smoky accents " almost archetypal for this site, in fact. And like so many 2005s from this vineyard, the wine has a slightly gamey, tart, savage edge of fruit and mineral to it. Bitter black chocolate low tones and floral high notes add complexity. For sheer intensity, it is hard to beat this amazing performance " but for refinement, complexity or mystery, there are other Le Moine wines I would place ahead of it. Importer: Vintus, Pleasantville, NY; tel. (919) 769-3000 [David Schildknecht, 29/06/2007]