Rating for United States-California: 95 (slightly better than average year)<br/><br/>Drinkability: too young, let it sit<br/>

Good medium ruby-red. The most reticent of these 2005s but with lovely purity and subtlety to its aromas of black plum, sage oil, chocolate liqueur, licorice and smoked meat. Lush, pure and sweet, with lovely spicy lift to the complex flavors of plum, minerals and dried herbs. A wonderfully seamless wine that finishes with youthful medicinal reserve and building but thoroughly ripe tannins. A Medoc-like blend of 65% cabernet sauvignon, 20% merlot, 10% cab franc and 5% petit verdot.

varietals 1/10/12. CA more robust, more youthful than French version (2005 chateau leoville Barton). 2005 was "vintage of century" until 2009.