The 2005 La Tour Haut-Brion, now the final vintage of this estate before it became part of La Mission-Haut-Brion’s second wine, offers a classic and savory profile. The wine blends 41% Cabernet Franc, 32% Merlot, and 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, showcasing notes of scorched earth, asphalt, smoky black cherries, and roasted herbs. Medium-bodied and tannic, it remains an excellent yet unremarkable claret, still showing freshness and structure. The tannins have started to soften, giving way to a more savory, food-friendly style. It is best enjoyed between 2013 and 2025, with an aging potential that promises more complexity as it continues to evolve.

The Wine Advocate | RP 89
Published: Apr 30, 2008
Drink: 2013-2025

Beginning in 2006, this vineyard became part of La Mission-Haut-Brion’s second wine, so 2005 will be the final vintage of La Tour Haut-Brion. That’s a shame as many superb, under-the-radar wines were produced under this moniker in the forties, fifties, sixties, seventies, and early eighties. The 2005 is a 2,000-case blend of 41% Cabernet Franc, 32% Merlot, and 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, a relatively high amount of Cabernet Sauvignon for a Pessac-Leognan property. It offers classic notes of scorched earth, asphalt, smoky black cherries, and roasted herbs. Medium-bodied and tannic, it is an excellent, but not inspirational claret that should be at its finest between 2013-2025. 

Jancisrobinson.com | JR 17
Published: Apr 12, 2017
Drink: 2016-2030

Mid garnet with a rim that is fading. Manly, savoury nose and tannins starting to recede. No excess of tannins, alcohol or sweetness. Very savoury and fresh. Far from heavy. Needs food.