Like many wines from this vintage, Melipal seems afflicted with 2005 blues. It has black plum and some woody char to chew on, but also saline and frisky tartness. Gets better with airing and will show best with food, but it’s clearly a step down from prior years.——M.S.(5/1/2008)—— 86

Driving and powerful. The nose offers balsamic notes along with piercing hints of road tar, crude oil, crushed lavender and leather. The palate is packed full of tobacco, citrus and bright berry fruit. Not the least bit soft, with a zesty mouthfeel that toes the line between balanced and overt. Will show its best in 2006–07. Imported by Epic Wines. ——M.S.(11/15/2005)—— 91