“Kudos to proprietor Christian Dauriac (and consultant
Michel Rolland) for this outstanding effort as well as for Destieux’s recent
upgrade to a Grand Cru Classe in the most recent classification of St.-Emilions
(suspended in March, 2007 because of litigation). From a 45-year-old vineyard
in St.-Hippolyte planted with 66% Merlot and equal parts Cabernet Franc and
Cabernet Sauvignon (an atypically high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon), the
2005 achieved 14.5% natural alcohol. The rusticity of older vintages has been
tamed, and the result is a full-bodied, powerful, muscular, concentrated,
intense St.-Emilion offering a dense ruby/purple color as well as loads of
espresso roast, roasted meat, sweet cassis, and subtle herbal characteristics.
This full-throttle blockbuster possesses impressive purity and density.
Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022.”
92-94 points, Robert Parker
