Hosanna 2005

A thrilling bouquet of subtle menthol intermixed with black raspberries, vanillin, smoke, spring flowers, and a hint of mocha soars from the glass of this blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. A small estate producing only 1,200-1,500 cases, this site was previously the tenderloin sector of Chateau Giraud before it was acquired by Christian Moueix and divided into two vineyards, Hosanna, the better section, and Certan Marzelle. This supple-textured, medium to full-bodied 2005 is a wine of great nobility, class, and grace boasting velvety tannins and gorgeous concentration. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2028

As I have written so many times before, this is a wine of extraordinary nobility and complexity whose aromatics frequently resemble those of its near-by neighbor, the famed St.-Emilion, Cheval Blanc. A 1,200-case blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, its fruit comes from the finest parcels of what used to be known as the Certan Giraud vineyard (the remaining parcels go into Certan Marzelle). The dense plum/purple-tinged 2005 Hosanna offers up sweet aromas of mocha, black raspberries, cherries, cassis, smoke, and flowers. Luscious, opulent, and medium to full-bodied with exceptional class and potential, it should be at its peak between 2012-2025+.

One of the most complex wines of Pomerol, this 1,200 case cuvee from the finest parcel of the vineyard formerly known as Certan-Giraud offers extraordinary aromatics of melted licorice, spring flowers, mulberries, black currants, sweet cherries, and smoke. A stunningly voluptuous wine with sweet tannin, admirable richness, and impressive purity, it represents the Cheval Blanc of Pomerol. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2030.

Subtle aromas of raspberry and blackberry with chocolate. Full-bodied, with silky, refined tannins and a solid core of fruit. It's long and focused. Seductive. Best ever from here