91 David Schildknecht - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

"From old, terraced Grenache vines with a tiny intermingling of Carignan, the Gards' 2005 Collioure Schistes represents the latest endearing rendition of an affordable bottling that has become a favorite of mine. (I rated the results in both the tricky 2002 and 2003 vintages even higher than this current 2005 release.) An alluring aroma of strawberry and black raspberry preserves, cocoa powder, and resinous herbs leads to a palate of dense, liqueur-like, pure sweet berry essence and creamy texture that never looses its clarity or primary juiciness, and is underlain by bitter chocolate, herbal, and wet stone that lend counterpoint to a satisfyingly long, only faintly warm finish. It will replay at least 2-3 years of cellaring, although I relish the appeal of this cuvee's youthful fruit and ingratiating richness."