The 2005 La Tour Carnet had a strong showing for this cru classé owned by Bernard Magrez. A blend of 51% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, this dense purple-colored wine has notes of lead pencil shavings, cassis, and subtle, smoky oak. Full-bodied with sweet, savory black fruits and light, velvety tannin, this wine is just entering its plateau of maturity. Anticipated maturity: now-2030.

Shrewd consumers should be stocking up on this wine as it is both sensational and realistically priced. Once one of the most appallingly mediocre classified growths of the Medoc, this estate’s resurrection started around 2000, hitting its full stride in 2001, and proprietor Bernard Magrez continues to build on that success. A blend of nearly equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with small amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the inky/blue/purple 2005 possesses a beautiful nose of graphite, flowers, creme de cassis, incense, and a touch of new barriques. Full-bodied with crisp acidity, sweet tannin, and excellent definition and freshness, this sensational sleeper of the vintage should be at its finest in 8-10 years. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030.

A pretty wine, with vanilla, currant and berry on the nose and palate. Full-bodied, with toasty oak and currant notes and ripe, polished tannins. Best after 2013. 17,000 cases made.

Ripe, almost plummy fruit, rich, smooth and vailla touch of oak. Quite seductive. Has depth and grip. Elegant, quite supple but will last.