Robert Parker 92 points - There are 7,000 cases of this 60% Merlot/30% Cabernet Franc/10% Cabernet Sauvignon blend from the home estate of Chantal and Gerard Perse. Although this is not considered to be one of St.-Emilion’s finest terroirs, everything is done in an artisinal manner - including hand harvesting, hand sorting, a draconian selection in both the vineyard and the cellars, and Burgundy-like treatments of malolactic in barrel and aging sur-lie. Monbousquet has been a stunning success ever since Perse took over the property. Earlier vintages continue to suggest that this cuvee has far greater longevity than expected given the opulence and enormous fruit. For example, the 1998 and 1999 remain infants in terms of development, and the 1995 is just coming into a pre-adolescent stage. The 2005 (13.5% alcohol) possesses a saturated blue/purple color as well as a big, sweet nose of pain grille, roasted herbs, grilled meats, black cherry jam, blackberries, and spice. Powerful, full-bodied, and dense yet elegant, deep, and layered, its pure fruit, concentration, and overall quality hide the moderately high tannin. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2023. (92-94) points. (Apr 2006)
