The beauties of the 2005 vintage are starting to come out. Sure there have been some great wines already, but the reserve quality monster-wines are now being released and should tide us over until the monsters from ’07 start rearing their heads. This Franc spent 24 months in new French oak and there is so much going on (complexity) that I may not be able to fit it all into one review – but I’ll try. The nose has black fruit, cinnamon, spice, black cherry, anise, and, of course, woody characteristics. You’d expect big tannic punch from a wine that spent that long in new barrels, but instead they’re smooth and silky, with black cherry and other black fruits coated with dark chocolate – yum. Slightly woody finish, but nothing overpowering here, just enough to let you know real wood was used. I see this one having a long lifespan in your cellar (10 years easy) if you let it, but it’s drinking beautifully right now – though don’t forget to decant. Price: $40.00