"The superb 2005 Lourens River Valley has a touch of Petit Verdot in the blend. My immediate impression upon nosing this wine was: Pauillac comes to Saint Emilion. The palate is very well knit with good acidity and firm tannins. It is dry and masculine on the entry, but the Cabernet Franc is very expressive towards the finish with touches of green bell pepper and dried herbs. Very refined and demonstrating good persistence, this is an excellent wine."

"This has a hearty, slightly rugged core of dark currant, plum sauce and fig paste, while the edges are polished and racy, with alder wood, sweet spice and anise providing a nice contrast through the finish. Shows better purity than in some previous vintages."