A marvelous sleeper of the vintage from Dominique Hebrard, this 2005 exhibits a dense ruby/purple color, a smoky, blackberry liqueur-filled nose with hints of licorice, earth, and truffles, full body, powerful flavors, and dramatic, but sweet tannin. Moreover, this beauty is still available at a realistic price. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2030.

Rich and earthy, the 2005 Bellefont-Belcier comes from an estate of 33+ acres and is a blend of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. A structured, potentially long-lived wine, it has a dense purple color, notes of cassis and black cherry liqueur, a deep minerality, ripe tannin, and a beautiful, full-bodied mouthfeel and finish. This is a brilliant wine and a sleeper of the vintage to drink over the next 10-15 years.