Chateauneuf du Pape Hommage a Jacques Perrin Chateau Beaucastel 2005 (3L)

97 Points, Josh Raynolds, Vinous: "Opaque purple. An explosive, room-filling bouquet of ripe raspberry, blackcurrant and boysenberry scents, along with sexy floral, herb and cured meat nuances. Incredibly silky, with medium-weight red and dark berry preserve and cured tobacco flavors and superb mineral lift. Velvety tannins melt into the deep, dark fruit, which carries endlessly through the finish. A hypnotic, supremely compelling wine, with the depth and balance to age for years and years. If you've got the means, get some." 12/08

97 Points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator: "Extremely dense, with layers of braised fig, blackberry and hoisin sauce that will need cellaring to stretch out fully. Plenty of coffee, bittersweet ganache and charcoal notes fill in the background, with prominent but ripe, well-rounded tannins helping to pound out the finish. An impressive combination of power and purity. Best from 2010 through 2030. 350 cases made." 10/08

98 Points, Matt Walls, Decanter: "A remarkably sweet impression on the nose, sweet red fruits, violets, cocoa, sugared almonds and tobacco. It's open, complex and ready to go. Rounded and generous, mouthfilling fruit, the acidity is remarkably high considering the heat of the vintage, and doesn't feel entirely harmonious. Long finish, the sweetness of the fruit matched by quite strident, brisk acidity. Very fine, ripe, smooth tannins - they're almost imperceptible, but give grip on the finish. Very good indeed with great elegance, even if the alcohol is a little raised." 4/20