Chateau Palmer Margaux 2005

• wa98

Wine AdvocateIts bigger sister, the 2005 Château Palmer (53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 7% Petit Verdot), is one of the great efforts of this superlative vintage. Floral notes mixed with blackberry, cassis, plum, licorice and spring flowers soar from the glass of this dense ruby/purple wine. It is medium to full-bodied, surprisingly opulent (it has a big percentage of Merlot), long, multi-dimensional and textured. This wonderfully pure, stunning wine once again performs as a first-growth. It should drink well for the next 20-25 years.

• we96

Wine EnthusiastAromas of black tar, chocolate and berries lead to a wine that is so effortlessly delicious that it's easy to forget the power the Merlot gives it. The center is round, but dark, filled with sweetness; the outer layers are full of red jelly and toast. There are tannins, but they, too, are sweet.

• ws95

Wine SpectatorDark in color, with intense aromas of crushed berry, toasty oak and hints of raisin, turning to fresh flowers. Full-bodied, with a big, juicy, velvety texture and a long aftertaste of coffee, coconut and berry. This is powerful and muscular for Palmer. Best after 2012.

• st94

International Wine Cellar($290-$350) Good deep red-ruby. Deep, brooding aromas of blackberry, kirsch and chocolate mint, with a distinctly roasted, jammy character showing today. Compellingly sweet and explosive on the palate, with great fat to the flavors of plum, mulberry, coffee and mocha; like a cocktail of jammy fruits. This is downright massive, not to say decadent, for Palmer-at 14% alcohol the highest ever recorded here. A pure liquid confection.