Flickinger Fine Wines - 2005 Burgundy wines http://www.flickingerwines.com/rss/2005burgundy.asp BH 89 (1/2008): (From a .45 ha parcel planted in 1959; Aux Charmes is rarely seen as there are only two domaines which produce it.) A very gentle touch of wood frames a slightly riper mix of red and black pinot fruit aromas nuanced by soft and warm earth hints that continue onto the round, sweet and supple flavors supported by somewhat firmer tannins and fine length. A lovely and balanced effort that will also be capable of extended aging. Drink 2013+.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomPierreAmiotFils.aspBH 93-95 (4/2007): A raspberry liqueur nose with hints of spice and underbrush merges into fresh, ripe, round and sweet flavors of surpassing intensity and purity that tighten up in a flash to become tight and linear on the precise, even laser-like finish. There is a beautiful tension to this wine and while there is a serious tannic backbone, this seems supple on the mid-palate because the structure is so well buffered. This too will see its 25th birthday (and many more) in superb condition. WS 93 (12/2008): Rigid now, with cherry, mineral and smoke notes backed by burly tannins. Still, it's elegant in stature, concentrated and built for the long haul. Closed up already, but be patient. Best from 2014 through 2028. 150 cases imported. VM 93 (4/2008): Good full red. Reticent nose suggests cherry, licorice, flowers and truffle. Displays the copious sweetness of the vintage but with terrific focus and underlying spine. A stony, minerally pinot with real delicacy and cut. The long, noble finish offers a lovely combination of silk and stone and enticing lingering perfume. An archetypical Volnay that combines structure and charm: I wouldn't be surprised if this merited an even higher score eight or ten years from now. WA 91-93 (6/2007): One of the three batches that will be blended to make up d ‘Angerville’s 2005 Volnay Champans was still in malo, so I base my assessment on the other two. Scented with cherry and cassis, flowers and fungus, smoke and chalk dust, this displays richness and depth, fine tannins and emerging silkiness, and a youthfully firm but long finish loaded with savory subtleties. Just give it 6-8 years before revisiting. JR 18 (1/2007): Deep crimson and rather polished and sweet and gentle. Lovely freshness to this wine even though there's masses of ripeness too.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomMarquisdAngerville.aspVM 89+ (9/2007): Good palish color. Yellow fruits and honey on the nose, with brighter hints of orange and spice. Sweet, smooth and fairly rich but with good inner-palate lift. Finishes with obvious structure and some apparent oak tannins that call for three or four years of patience. Best today on entry and in the middle palate. Stephen Tanzer.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomJeanMarcBoillot.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/BouchardPereetFils.aspWA 95 (11/2013): Ordered at Ma Cuisine in Beaune, the 2005 Bienvenue-Batard-Montrachet from Jacques Carillon is pumping on all cylinders. Burnished in color, it is an entrancing honeyed bouquet that is extraordinarily powerful and yet quite brilliantly defined, almost heady and more “Montrachet” than “Bienvenue.” The palate does not disappoint, exerting good weight and impressive volume in the mouth, counterbalanced by the finesse and composure one expects from a grand cru. Viscous right to the finish, this intense and quite extravagant white Burgundy should age gracefully for another decade or two. Drink now-2030. VM 94+ (9/2007): Pale color. Mineral-dominated aromas of crushed stone, clove and menthol. Intensely flavored and impressively concentrated, with terrific backbone to its juicy peach and stone flavors. A bit youthfully aggressive in a positive way and clearly in need of extended cellaring. But this boasts superb potential. This and the premier crus were bottled in March of 2007. Carillon is now using 50 parts per million free sulfur at bottling, compared to 35 to 40 prior to 2004. He suggests waiting five to eight years for the '05 cru bottlings. Stephen Tanzer.BH 94 (7/2008): (from a .11 ha parcel of 45+ year old vines that generally are not very productive; aged in 50% new wood.) A distinctly different aromatic profile of slightly mentholated notes accompanied by honeysuckle, citrus and white rose petal aromas trimmed in a deft touch of wood toast that merge into rich, full and unusually powerful broad-shouldered flavors that are also on the understated side despite the size and weight. This is a seriously impressive effort and one of the stars of the vintage. Don't miss it! Drink 2013+.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomLouisCarillon.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/CollovrayTerrier.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/VincentDancer.aspWA 91 (6/2007): The Dujac 2005 Chambolle-Musigny Les Gruenchers displays ripe black cherry and tart rhubarb with oaky overlays of vanilla, coconut and lanolin. In the mouth too, concentrated black cherry and rhubarb are inflected - arguably a bit deflected - by flavors of new wood, but red blood meatiness and attractive inner-mouth florality assert themselves and this displays admirably fine-grained tannins and emerging creaminess, finishing with palate-staining richness of fruit.IWC 90-92 (4/2007): Bright red-ruby. Black raspberry, mocha, roast coffee and minerals on the nose. Lush, fat and fine-grained, with sweet berry flavors. Nicely concentrated, rich wine with lovely length and lush, suave tannins. BH 90-93 (1/2007): Moderate reduction still can't completely hide the black cherry and earth aromas that can also be found on the rich, full and ripe flavors that are textured, sweet and firmly structured. There is good tension and detail here with outstanding underlying material. Drink 2013+. Outstanding!http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomDujac.aspWA 95 (6/2007): Intensely smoky, and with concentrated black cherry, herb, and brown spice aromas, the Dujac 2005 Clos St.-Denis comes onto the palate quite firm, palpably dense, its structural rectitude, fruit pit notes, stony mineral shadings, and abundant fine tannins all somewhat alleviated by ample glycerin and complemented by the sheer sappy juiciness of its ripe black fruits. This is positively fetal when compared with the Clos de la Roche, but exhibits no less remarkable sheer length. Certainly we’re looking at another wine with more than a decade’s developmental potential.BH 96 (1/2008): An earthy yet elegant nose features notes of game, subtle smoke, red, black and blue fruit and briar notes that sit atop concentrated, pure and detailed flavors wrapped in a wonderfully intense, balanced and strikingly long finish. This oozes class and refinement and interestingly, the mid-palate is almost tender yet there is a robust firmness to the massively long finish that lets one know that this is built for the next several decades. Most impressive and in contrast to the Malconsorts, this is even better than what I saw in barrel last year but note that patience will most definitely be required. Drink 2019+.IWC 95+ (4/2008): Bright red-ruby. Musky, brooding aromas of dark fruits, mocha, spices and minerals; appears to be shutting down on the nose. Dense, large-scaled and packed with fruit and extract. The liqueur-like black raspberry, underbrush and licorice root flavors expand on the back half and go on and on on the aftertaste. Vinified entirely with whole clusters, this wine shows an almost painful intensity today and should really be forgotten for at least a decade. A great young example of this grand cru.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomDujac.aspWA 93 (6/2007): From one of their many celebrated new acquisitions, the Dujac 2005 Vosne-Romanee Les Malconsorts offers smoky, tea-like, floral, and spicy aromas. It comes to the palate relatively firm though texturally refined and strikingly clear, full of deep, smoke-licked meaty flavors, ripe though slightly tart raspberry, flowers, tea and spices. Palpably dense, this nevertheless avoids any sense of heaviness or opacity, but instead displays lift and liveliness. The amazingly long finish really builds momentum, confirming how much is held in reserve for the long haul, and that this is about meats, stones, flowers, herbs and spices - in short very much about Pinot’s mysteries, but very little about fruits or berries. The already rich array of crus at Domaine Dujac has recently been augmented on two fronts. The purchase (along with de Montille) of the Societe Civile du Clos de Thorey (Thomas-Moillard) has brought them a raft of choice parcels including three new grand cru holdings (for a staggering total of eight). Meanwhile, they have expanded their negociant arm (with control over harvest and green harvest a prerequisite) to supplement in particular their volumes of village-level wine. (Those wines - labeled “Dujac Fils & Pere" - are signified in the above listing with “FP". In fact, due to a legal technicality, the 2005 vintage wines from the properties newly acquired by the domaine - but not subsequent vintages - will also read “Fils & Pere" rather than “Domaine".) Even with California-trained oenologist Diana Seysses (nee Snowden) joining her husband Jeremy and in-laws Jacques and Alec, and with a new winery (though at the old address) I wonder at how they are able to keep up with the magnitude of their responsibilities. Yet despite so many parcels and vines new to them this year, the results are consistently outstanding and at times astounding. Much of the vinification - increasingly as one goes up the hierarchy of crus - was of whole clusters. Malos finished (finally) by November and the wines were bottle in December and January. BH 89 (1/2008): This too is gorgeously spicy with a wonderful panoply of different spice nuances that accompany the ripe red and black fruit and floral aromas that complement the pure, refined, intense and vibrant medium full flavors that no longer seem to have the mid-palate concentration that they displayed from cask. While this is certainly good, I confess to being somewhat disappointed by the in-bottle quality, particularly compared with what I tasted a year ago. VM 91-94 (4/2007): Bright medium red-ruby. Pretty, perfumed nose offers complex spice and floral elements. Juicy, pure and scented in the mouth, with captivating lift to the raspberry and floral flavors. Offers an uncanny combination of density and finesse. Silky, palate-coating wine with terrific sap. Finishes broad, very suave and very long, with ineffable lingering perfume. This has the quality and class of a grand cru.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DujacFilsetPere.aspVM 91-93 (3/2007): Bright, deep red-ruby. Superripe but very primary aromas of black fruits, minerals, smoke and violet. Sweet, dense and chocolatey, with sappy lift to the black raspberry and chocolate flavors. This boasts compelling sweetness and finishes with solid tannic support. Seysses noted that Domaine Dujac previously owned 0.25 hectare of Beaux-Monts (vines planted in 1987), which they did not sell in the U.S. The Thomas-Moillard purchase brought them another 0.5 hectare of vines in excess of 60 years of age. Stephen Tanzer.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DujacFilsetPere.aspBH 93 (10/2007): A deft touch of pain grillé showcases more elegant and more refined green fruit and shell fish nuances that can also be found on the nervous, intense, focused and seriously powerful medium full flavors that ooze dry extract on the almost painfully punchy and relatively austere finish. However, there is so much buffering fat that this remains beautifully well balanced and should age very well plus the underlying sense of tension is most attractive as it gives real lift to the finish. Drink: 2012+ VM 93 (7/2007): Pale, green-tinged color. Subtle, precise aromas of lime, quinine and minerals. Broad, rich and dry but with terrific grip and an impression of weightlessness. The complex flavors of powdered stone, minerals, lime blossom and citrus peel resemble those of the young '06. Superb classic Chablis with a rising finish and lovely minerality. Winemaker Didier Seguier gives the edge to the '06, though, for its greater purity.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomWilliamFevre.aspVM 94+ (8/2007): Pale green color. Pure but subdued aromas of lemon-lime and crushed stone. Intensely flavored and youthfully tight, offering sharply delineated citrus fruit, white peach and crushed stone elements. In a cooler style for the vintage, with just the slightest exotic hint to show that it's from a very warm year. The very long, rising finish displays uncommon precision for the vintage. But the young 2006 appears to be even longer and more minerally. BH 94 (10/2007): (from 4 separate parcels totaling 4.11 ha, 3 of which are all at the top of the slope). In contrast to the relative expressiveness of most of this group, the Les Clos is backward, reserved and very tight, revealing only glimpses of white flower, oyster shell and an airy marine influence that can also be found on the intense, pure and astonishingly precise flavors that possess another dimension relative to all of the other '05s with the exception of the Preuses. Class in a glass as they say and while presently tighter than a drum with an exceptionally dry finish, this has the material and balance to age for years. Drink 2012+.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomWilliamFevre.aspVM 94+ (8/2007): Pale green color. Pure but subdued aromas of lemon-lime and crushed stone. Intensely flavored and youthfully tight, offering sharply delineated citrus fruit, white peach and crushed stone elements. In a cooler style for the vintage, with just the slightest exotic hint to show that it's from a very warm year. The very long, rising finish displays uncommon precision for the vintage. But the young 2006 appears to be even longer and more minerally. BH 94 (10/2007): (from 4 separate parcels totaling 4.11 ha, 3 of which are all at the top of the slope). In contrast to the relative expressiveness of most of this group, the Les Clos is backward, reserved and very tight, revealing only glimpses of white flower, oyster shell and an airy marine influence that can also be found on the intense, pure and astonishingly precise flavors that possess another dimension relative to all of the other '05s with the exception of the Preuses. Class in a glass as they say and while presently tighter than a drum with an exceptionally dry finish, this has the material and balance to age for years. Drink 2012+.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomWilliamFevre.aspBH 94 (10/2007): (from two parcels of vines that total 2.55 ha, or 22% of the entire appellation). This is the second year running where the Preuses really distinguishes itself with an incredibly complex nose of brioche, spice, green fruit, shell fish, algae and sea breeze notes that merge into wonderfully elegant yet generous, full, forward and strikingly classy flavors that are dense, balanced and unbelievably persistent plus they display more minerality than usual. The acid spine is firm and ripe but not aggressive and should easily see this through at least a decade of cellar time. I normally have a real weakness for the Valmur at this address but the Preuses is really something in 2005. A "wow" wine. Drink 2012+. VM 92 (8/2007): Good pale color with green highlights. Elegant nose hints at gunflinty silex, with pineapple emerging with aeration. Very rich and suave; in a rounder, fatter style than the Cote Bouguerots but with a bit less clarity and lift. Shows a more exotic peach quality in the middle palate. Finishes subtle, smooth and long.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomWilliamFevre.aspWA 92 (4/2007): Garaudet only has three barrels (75 cases) of 2005 Beaune Clos des Mouches, which smells of blackberry and beet root with notes of almond extract, sweet flowers and herbs, cherry pits, coconut, citrus zest, cedar, and cinnamon. As with other Garaudet 2005s, this displays an alluring counterpoint of brightness of fruit with creaminess of texture, and an invigorating, salty mineral cast. Finishing with real vibrancy and grip as well as elegance and refinement, this cru should cellar nicely for 7-10 years, but might not shut down anytime along the way.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/JeanGaraudet.aspBH 94 (1/2008): I was frankly shocked to find that the aromatic profile here was even more elegant and arguably finer than that of the Amoureuses with its bright red and blue pinot fruit, minerals and spice notes, particularly anise that complement to perfection the sleek, taut, brooding and focused flavors that explode on the hugely long and deep finish. This is an impressive wine that has that 'wow' factor. Drink 2015+. WA 94 (4/2007): The Groffier 2005 Bonnes Mares smells of black raspberry and wild blueberry laced with sage and a hint of game, offers a rather Musigny-like combination of inner-mouth florality and refinement on the palate, and finishes with pure, sweet fruit, even silkier in texture and nearly as bright as the Hauts Doix, not to mention more intense and with a tactile finishing minerality, fineness of tannins and sheer length that (as well they should) go beyond the Premier Cru wines. VM 92+ (4/2008): Good deep red. Wild, superripe aromas of blackberry liqueur, mocha, milk chocolate and faded rose. Sweet, dense and thick, but with very good lift to its flavors of dark berries, wild herbs and game. This impressively fat, large-scaled grand cru is as chewy as a solid. Finishes very long and lush, with thoroughly ripe tannins. Those who taste with their mouth alone will rate this massive wine even higher than I did; I wanted a bit more in the way of treble notes. But this one may yet explode with seven or eight years of cellaring.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomRobertGroffier.aspBH 93 (1/2008): As it almost always is, this is wonderfully elegant with an airy mix of highly spiced and seductive black fruit aromas of impressive depth that continues on the rich, supple, sweet and mouth coating flavors blessed with ample dry extract that buffers the firm but buried tannins on the long finish. This too is serious but sophisticated and the inherent class is evident. Drink 2013+. Outstanding! WA 93 (4/2007): The 2005 Chambolle-Musigny Les Amoureuses offers gorgeous aromas of black raspberry, bergamot, orange zest, narcissus and white pepper. Lovely deep, dark fruit shadings with subtle chalkiness and fresh, raw meatiness along with persistent inner-mouth florality inform a firmly but finely tannic and expansive palate. This really sticks to the gums, with a superb smoky, sappy, pungent persistence. VM 91+ (4/2008): Good deep red. Raspberry, game and roast coffee on the nose, with treble notes of ginger and orange rind. Silky, fresh, rich and chewy, with a concentrated flavor of dark raspberry along with a lightly peppery quality. The substantial tannins are ultimately seamless and yet this shows excellent rather than outstanding length. This is very good, but I wonder if this steep parcel experienced a slight blockage of maturity in this warm, dry summer. I would forget about this wine for at least five or six years, maybe longer.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomRobertGroffier.aspVM 92+ (4/2008): Good deep red. Pungent aromas of dark raspberry, rose petal, blood orange and bitter chocolate. Then juicy and precise in the mouth but tight and backward. A wonderfully sappy, vibrant wine whose firm acids will require several years of cellaring. Not at all pliant today-in fact this is distinctly ungiving-and yet I find this wine's energy, cut and floral perfume to be exhilarating. WS 92 (5/2008): Freshness and finesse are the highlights of this red, along with violet, red currant, raspberry and mineral notes. Firm and tense, like a coiled spring, with a lingering aftertaste of wild berry. Best from 2014 through 2026. 25 cases imported. JR 17.5 (8/2007): Very seductive rich nose but with lots of refreshing acidity too and extremely fine tannins underneath. Very composed and confident. Well done, though we’ll have to wait for it to bloom. BH 89-91 (1/2007): The slightly higher-toned nose is even fresher and brighter with a similar nose of spicy black fruit trimmed in obvious minerality that introduces complex, delicious and somewhat more forward middle weight flavors that possess good detail and the same firm mineral streak suggested by the nose. This is classy juice with excellent length and while I like the greater finesse here versus the Suchots, the latter wine has better mid-palate fat and concentration. Drink 2011+.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomAlainHudelot-Noellat.aspVM 94+ (4/2008): Deep red with ruby highlights. Distinctly purple aromas of blackberry, violet and menthol. Silky on entry, then considerably subtler and suaver than the Chateau des Ducs, with lovely finesse of texture and superb building fruit. Highly concentrated, young and impeccably balanced Volnay, finishing with sweet tannins and a whiplash of fruit. Much more accessible today than the Chateau des Ducs, but this too will reward extended cellaring. BH 94 (4/2008): This is more aromatically complex still with ethereal notes of red and black fruit, floral notes, particularly violets and subtle spice and earth hints trimmed in a discreet bit of wood where all of this aromatic firepower precedes the rich, generous and impressively refined flavors that possess superb depth of extract that buffers the firm tannins on the structured, powerful and hugely long, indeed explosive finish. A 'wow' wine. Outstanding! Drink: 2015+ WA 91-92 (6/2007): From a parcel he and his son Frederic began working in 2000 but that Michel Lafarge says needed a few years of tough love and cold turkey to wean from chemical dependency, his 2005 Volnay Caillerets displays sweetly-ripe, high-toned cherry, a luscious, juicy, fruit-filled palate impression, and the most vivid and sweet finishing fruit of any 2005 in this cellar. All the while, a subtle chalkiness suffuses every aspect of this distinguished Pinot, but its pure fruit is so energetic, blazing, and sweet, that any carnal dimensions it may be harboring are for now sublimated (along with its tannins). Time will tell whether this parcel can aspire to the polish and complexity exhibited by the Lafarge Clos du Chateau des Ducs or Clos des Chenes, but considering the overall stature of the Cailleret cru, I would bet on it.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomMichelLafarge.aspWA 90-91+ (6/2007): From four parcels proximate in geography and potential quality to their uphill, premier cru neighbors comes the Lafarge 2005 Volnay Vendanges Selectionnees. Deeper, darker and denser in color, structure and flavor than the “regular" Volnay at this address (and as such more typical of this vintage), this offers generous black cherry and plum with tart fruit skin and bitter fruit pit adjuncts. A rich meatiness puts one in mind a bit of Pommard (not surprising given that two of the vineyards incorporated into this bottling lie on the communal line), as does this wine’s firm tannic backbone. Wet stone and humus notes add complexity to the persistently bright fruit and rich meatiness of an almost severely-concentrated finish that introduces a somewhat detracting and hopefully temporary blocking note of bitterness. Certainly the “regular" village wine is more fun to drink today. BH 90 (4/2008): A notably ripe yet elegant and refined nose offers red pinot and black cherry aromas nuanced by hints of earth and animale that can also be found on the rich, velvety and equally serious medium plus weight flavors that coat the mouth with dense but fine tannins and admirable levels of dry extract. Recommended though note that this will need at least 6 to 8 years to really be at its best. Outstanding! Drink 2013+. VM 89+ (4/2008): Saturated dark red with ruby highlights. Black fruit aromas show an almost liqueur-like ripeness. Deep flavors of dark berries and violet, given excellent cut by firm acidity. A serious, youthfully tight wine with a solid tannic spine. I'd give this a good eight years in the cellar. As good a vintage for this cuvee as I can recall.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomMichelLafarge.aspWA 90-91+ (6/2007): From four parcels proximate in geography and potential quality to their uphill, premier cru neighbors comes the Lafarge 2005 Volnay Vendanges Selectionnees. Deeper, darker and denser in color, structure and flavor than the “regular" Volnay at this address (and as such more typical of this vintage), this offers generous black cherry and plum with tart fruit skin and bitter fruit pit adjuncts. A rich meatiness puts one in mind a bit of Pommard (not surprising given that two of the vineyards incorporated into this bottling lie on the communal line), as does this wine’s firm tannic backbone. Wet stone and humus notes add complexity to the persistently bright fruit and rich meatiness of an almost severely-concentrated finish that introduces a somewhat detracting and hopefully temporary blocking note of bitterness. Certainly the “regular" village wine is more fun to drink today. BH 90 (4/2008): A notably ripe yet elegant and refined nose offers red pinot and black cherry aromas nuanced by hints of earth and animale that can also be found on the rich, velvety and equally serious medium plus weight flavors that coat the mouth with dense but fine tannins and admirable levels of dry extract. Recommended though note that this will need at least 6 to 8 years to really be at its best. Outstanding! Drink 2013+. VM 89+ (4/2008): Saturated dark red with ruby highlights. Black fruit aromas show an almost liqueur-like ripeness. Deep flavors of dark berries and violet, given excellent cut by firm acidity. A serious, youthfully tight wine with a solid tannic spine. I'd give this a good eight years in the cellar. As good a vintage for this cuvee as I can recall.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomMichelLafarge.aspBH 91-94 (4/2007): A potent mix of wood spice, Vosne spice and pain grillé introduces rich, full, sweet and sleekly muscled flavors that are impressively scaled and powerful on the dusty, ripe and stunningly long finish. This really stains the palate and the intensity is almost painful yet there is impeccable balance. One to cellar. Drink 2015+. Outstanding!http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/LucienLeMoine.aspBH 91-94 (4/2007): A potent mix of wood spice, Vosne spice and pain grillé introduces rich, full, sweet and sleekly muscled flavors that are impressively scaled and powerful on the dusty, ripe and stunningly long finish. This really stains the palate and the intensity is almost painful yet there is impeccable balance. One to cellar. Drink 2015+. Outstanding!http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/LucienLeMoine.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomFredericMagnien.aspWS 77 (7/2008): A tough, oaky style, showing a modest cherry note and dry astringent tannins. 300 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomMoillard.aspWA 97-98 (6/2007): Here is a 2005 Chambertin that rivals the rose petals of Clos de Beze, along with licorice, a ripeness of red fruit, a suggestion of peach jam, and a pungency of cinnamon that turns tactile on the palate. A chocolate richness and liqueur-like fruit intensity in the mouth never lose sight of the rose petals, nor cover up the chalk, wet stone and roasted meat that underlie a sumptuous, sultry finish. “Round," “rich" and “resonant" gain new meaning with this stunningly opulent Pinot. VM 94-97 (4/2007): Deep red-ruby; less saturated than the last few samples. Reduced, vinous nose hints at pungent wild red fruits, minerals, smoked meat and tobacco. Silky and fine-grained; boasts a spherical shape that few wines of this vintage-or any other-can match. This has a wonderfully suave palate feel and coats every square millimeter of the palate. The texture of liquid silk carries through on the extremely long, layered finish. BH 92-95 (1/2007): Strong reduction characterizes this raw and almost unbelievably primary nose that leads to big, rich, and opulent flavors that possess a forceful, detailed and quite minerally finish that is serious, brooding and strikingly long. This is texturally and stylistically different than virtually all the other wines though there may be convergence once it develops further in barrel though for now, it's a wine apart. Drink 2017+. Don't Miss!http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/NicolasPotel.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/NicolasPotel.aspWA 93-94 (6/2007): The Potel 2005 Vosne-Romanee Les Gaudichots offers a nose of cherry, red raspberry and spice box. Cinnamon and white pepper are among those that hitch a ride on the creamy palate, where intensely ripe, sweet red fruits, raw meat, and suggestions of caramelized root vegetables expand to fill all recesses of the mouth. Concentrated and complex manifestations of meat, roasted root vegetables, and mineral along with distilled red fruit suggestions inform the superbly long, multi-registered finish. Amazingly, there are three whole barrels of this. VM 91-94 (4/2007): Bright red-ruby. Perfumed, high-pitched aromas of raspberry and minerals show an almost liqueur-like quality without losing verve. Suave on entry, then bracing and stylish in the middle, with powerfully sappy dark fruit, smoke and mineral flavors framed by juicy acidity. Youthfully backward today but mounts slowly and impressively, finishing with a whiplash of flavor accented by an almost peppery impression of extract. Serious, structured, very young wine with a long life ahead of it. BH 91-93 (6/2007): A distinctly different and explosively kaleidoscopic nose features red, black and blue fruit aromas with notes of anise, clove, soy, hoisin and a touch of oak merges into supple, detailed and admirably pure flavors that possess serious depth and a touch of finishing wood on the hugely long finish. Lovely juice. Drink 2013+. Outstanding!http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/NicolasPotel.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/GerardRaphet.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/GerardRaphet.aspWA 91-93 (6/2007): A blend from five parcels, Rouget’s 2005 Vosne-Romanee offers a lovely, sweet scent of black fruits and flowers, incense, cumin and nutmeg. There is a striking palate counterpoint between brightly fresh black raspberry, cherry, and a creaminess of texture and caramelization of oak, finishing with beautiful, pure sweetness of black fruit liberally spiced and subtly underlain with chalk. You’d be hard pressed to find a more pristine or effusive village Vosne. One scarcely notices the structure, although I think it’s there. This is a case of “drink it now or drink it later” – you can’t lose. BH 89-91 (1/2007): (1.5 ha of vines situated in Aux Saules, La Vigneux, Les Barreaux and Les Jacquines) A bit more wood frames sexy and very spicy black fruit aromas that dissolve into rich, elegant and pure violet-infused flavors that possess excellent mid-palate density and a mouth coating finish of admirable length. This is a first rate and more structured villages and highly recommended. Drink 2012+. Outstanding!IWC 89 (3/2008): Medium red, paler than the 2006. Sexy, complex aromas of red berries, coffee, nuts and smoke; almost exotic following the 2006s. Fairly powerful but not particularly fruity, displaying good stuffing and an edge of acidity. The tannins will need some time to integrate.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomERouget.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/BServeau.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomVerget.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomVerget.aspBH 93-96 (1/2007): A completely different aromatic profile of ultra spicy and very pure black cherry, cassis and currant aromas underscored by anise, clove and cinnamon plus warm earth and mineral notes that carry onto the rich, suave, textured and even silky flavors that exude focused power, all wrapped in a linear and harmonious finish that possesses real energy and punch. This is a classy wine with superb refinement yet one that is underpinned by equally firm structure and I suspect that after a year or two where the considerable mid-palate sap will make this seem more accessible than it really is, it will descend into an extended hibernation that should be well worth the wait for the lucky few able to obtain bottles of this stunner of a wine. Drink: 2017+http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomdelaVougeraie.asp