Flickinger Fine Wines - 2005 Burgundy wines http://www.flickingerwines.com/rss/2005burgundy.asp BH 90 (1/2008): This is also notably ripe but finer and more elegant with a very pinot nose that also reflects touches of earth and smoke that introduce supple, precise and also notably minerally middle weight flavors where the tannins are dusty, serious and firm. This is not an overtly powerful wine but rather one of finesse and understatement. Terrific for such young vines. Outstanding! Drink 2012+.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomdeLArlot.aspBH 91-94 (1/2007): There is virtually no reduction here and the soaring nose offers notes of violets, earth, red and black pinot fruit and a distinct animale component that introduces big, robust and intense flavors that are textured, indeed even chewy but the tannic spine is well integrated on the hugely long finish. There is ample wood in evidence but there is so much concentration that the wine should integrate it successfully with time in bottle. Drink 2015+.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomRobertArnoux.aspBH 91-93 (1/2007): Note: from a .25 ha parcel that was purchased in 1994 with vines planted in '55. Les Grandes Lolières is situated in Ladoix-Serrigny right below the famous climat of Le Rognet. This is marked by its wood at present with ripe and earthy fruit aromas preceding round, powerful and somber full-bodied flavors that possess real drive and finishing muscle yet it remains a balanced and harmonious effort as the tannic spine is well-integrated. Drink 2015+.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomBertagna.aspBH 92 (6/2007): Almost invisible wood frames ripe yet distinctly cool and reserved orchard fruit aromas that complement the rich and generous medium-bodied flavors supported by impressive dry extract levels and a seductive texture on the complex, intense and silky finish that delivers striking length. In a word, terrific. Drink 2010+. Outstanding!IWC 88-90 (8/2006): Reticent but pure aromas of stone fruits. Sweeter and lusher than the village wine, but with firm acidity and solid mineral underpinning. Very ripe but fresh and unadorned. The crop level here was just 18 hectoliters per hectare, according to Boillot.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/MaisonHenriBoillot.aspBH 92-95 (1/2007): This too is notably ripe but much more reserved with earthy dark berry fruit aromas and subtle spice notes that continue on the concentrated, muscular and textured full-bodied flavors that are delicious and also possess excellent mid-palate density that drenches the palate in sap and completely buffers the robust tannic spine on the explosive and hugely long finish. This has the rare 'wow' factor. Sweet spot outstanding! Drink 2017+.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomLouisBoillot.aspIWC 95 (10/2007): Reticent nose hints at minerals, menthol and honey. Fresh on the attack, then almost painfully intense in the middle, with a crystalline purity to the flavors of peach, nectarine, bergamot and spices thanks to powerful minerality. The impression of precision extends through the sappy, rising, extremely long finish. BH 93 (7/2007): Not surprisingly, this closely resembles the Perrières aromatically though there is just enough extra ripeness where hints of orchard fruit creep into the mix and continue onto the generous and sappy medium-full flavors that offer a beguiling texture and the same pungent minerality on the balanced and powerful finish. This really packs a punch as the intensity is almost painful and the underlying sense of tension and vibrancy is striking. Sweet spot outstanding! Drink 2011+.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomHenriBoillot.aspBH 91-93 (1/2007): This too is extremely airy and fresh with bright red berry fruit, stone and subtle spice notes that lead to wonderfully pure, high-toned and sophisticated flavors that are dusty, refined and delineated and evidence plenty of underlying minerality on the punchy, focused and complex finish. A seriously lovely wine that is understated and harmonious. Sweet spot Outstanding! Drink 2013+.WA 89-91 (4/2007): The 2005 Gevrey-Chambertin Champonnet displays much more refinement and restraint than the Evocelles with a soft, enveloping, incipiently creamy palate loaded with ripe, gently-cooked black cherry and hints of caramel, vanilla and coconut from the barrel. The finish lingers with ingratiating sweetness if not much complexity.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomLouisBoillotetFils.aspBH 90-92 (1/2007): An attractive nose features notes of black raspberry and violets trimmed in a touch of earth that can also be found on the equally well-muscled and powerful flavors are possess excellent depth, punch and tension on the impressively persistent finish. Good stuff here and while not as elegant, I quite like this. Outstanding! Drink 2013+.WA 87-89+ (4/2007): A 2005 Volnay Les Brouillards offers a fascinating nose of black raspberry, black tea, smoked meat, and high-toned suggestions of distilled berries and herbs. In the mouth, the fruit takes on a slightly caramelized edge and hints of resin from the barrels (only one of the four total being new) and is underlain by pronounced tannin, finishing with admirable intensity but with rather graceless tannins. Is this just in an awkward state?http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomLouisBoillotetFils.aspIWC 97 (4/2008): Dark, bright red. Multidimensional, soil-driven nose features wild red berries, smoke, minerals, dried rose, mocha, underbrush and an exhilarating suggestion of white flowers. Like pure silk in the mouth but with pungent mineral lift giving this voluminous, extract-rich wine a nearly weightless impression. As fat, full and solid as this is, the overall impression is of finesse and perfume. Finishes with extraordinary mounting persistence and perfectly buffered, noble tannins.BH 94-97 (4/2007): A spicy and ripe nose of stupendous breadth and depth is framed in obvious toast that continues onto the supple, rich, textured and big-boned flavors that are borderline massive yet the focus, detail and harmony of expression all retain admirable clarity and purity. Another one of those 'wow' wines as the intensity of the flavors etch themselves onto the palate and the finale positively explodes. Be aware that this will require plenty of cellar time to come around. Don't miss! Drink 2020+.WA 92-94 (6/2007): The Bouchard 2005 Chambertin Clos de Beze displays a classic aroma of this singularly great site: rose petal, licorice, black cherry, and beef stock. In the mouth it offers intensity along with lift and elegance, its tannins ultra-fine and its finish long, savory, and subtly salty, with deep fruit and carnality. This should cellar superbly for at least 12-15 years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/BouchardPereetFils.aspIWC 97+ (10/2007): Multidimensional aromas of lemon, lime, powdered stone and white flowers. Dense, silky and fat with fruit. There's incredible depth, volume and extract to the pineapple, stone and floral flavors but a complete absence of rough edges and no sense of excess weight. The compellingly sweet finishing flavors of lime and flowers are unflagging. A big boy but still an infant-and a great wine in the making.BH 94 (1/2007): A superbly elegant, stylish and high-toned orange blossom and spice-suffused nose nuanced by hints of wet stone and lime merges into slightly toasty and flavors that are built on a base of firm minerality and culminate in a rich, powerful and hugely long finish. This is always a very fine Chevalier but in '05 it's even better than usual and worth a look. Drink 2013+.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/BouchardPereetFils.aspIWC 97+ (10/2007): Multidimensional aromas of lemon, lime, powdered stone and white flowers. Dense, silky and fat with fruit. There's incredible depth, volume and extract to the pineapple, stone and floral flavors but a complete absence of rough edges and no sense of excess weight. The compellingly sweet finishing flavors of lime and flowers are unflagging. A big boy but still an infant-and a great wine in the making.BH 94 (1/2007): A superbly elegant, stylish and high-toned orange blossom and spice-suffused nose nuanced by hints of wet stone and lime merges into slightly toasty and flavors that are built on a base of firm minerality and culminate in a rich, powerful and hugely long finish. This is always a very fine Chevalier but in '05 it's even better than usual and worth a look. Drink 2013+.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/BouchardPereetFils.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomBurguet.aspBH 89 (1/2008): An airy, perfumed and layered nose that is quite reminiscent of the 2006 features red berry fruits, most notably raspberry, merges into rich, sweet and full flavors that don't have quite the same level of mid-palate concentration but possess even more detail and a lovely, if subtle, minerality. This is quite fine and pure and fashioned in an understated style that lacks only a bit of depth to be at the same level. Drink 2012+.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomBurguet.aspBH 93 (1/2008): In contrast to the airy nose of the Chambolle, this is brooding, backward and very serious with a somber nose of dark berry fruit aromas, earth, spice and violets that sit atop rich, full, velvety and powerful flavors that offer excellent freshness and energy on the tautly structured and intense finish. The buried tannins are firm but sophisticated and this should improve for at least a decade and last for much longer. Outstanding! Drink 2015+.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomBurguet.aspBH 91-93 (1/2007): A positively gorgeous mix of exuberantly spicy red and black pinot fruit aromas that offer genuinely striking purity and transparency can also be found on the rich, textured and ultra refined middle weight flavors that are balanced and possess terrific mid-palate fat that completely buffers the rather firm tannic spine. But it's the sheer complexity that really drives this to the next level and it knocks on the door of grand cru quality. In sum, this transcends its usual quality level by a fair margin and should reward up to a decade of cellar time. Outstanding! Drink 2013+.IWC 90+ (4/2008): Good deep red. Smoky, ripe nose shows an almost liqueur-like quality. Fat, sweet and creamy, with superripe black cherry, raspberry and smoke flavors complicated by musky smoke and earth. Today this very rich wine comes off as chunkier than the village offering, with a bit less cut and lift. Finishes with chewy tannins and very good length. WA 89-90+ (6/2007): From 60-year-old vines high up above Echezeaux, the Cathiard 2005 Vosne-Romanee En Orveaux is the most austere wine on this occasion, with a chalky mineral character and bright but slightly tart red fruit marked by candied and caramelized inflections and a considerable evidence of new wood. Smoked meat character emerges beneath the alternating bright and caramelized black fruits in the finish. Not that this wine is entirely unimpressive – far from it – but could it just be having a bad day, I wonder? Also recommended: 2005 Bourgogne.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomSylvainCathiard.aspBH 87-89 (10/2006): Fresh and very bright aromas of acacia and citrus lead to sweet, detailed and subtly mineral flavors that offer good punch and real character on the racy finish. This is unusually good for what it is and recommended. Outstanding! Drink 2008+.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomCordier.aspBH 86-89 (10/2006): A generously wooded nose highlights very ripe orchard fruit and spice aromas that dissolve into rich, full and concentrated flavors that despite the richness are finer than the Vieilles Vignes as the more obvious minerality adds lift to the lively and vibrant finish. This is on the woody side at present and will probably always reflect this aspect as I don't see all of it being successfully absorbed though it's not enough to compromise the balance. Drink 2008+.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/MaisonChristopheCordier.aspBH 86-89 (10/2006): A generously wooded nose highlights very ripe orchard fruit and spice aromas that dissolve into rich, full and concentrated flavors that despite the richness are finer than the Vieilles Vignes as the more obvious minerality adds lift to the lively and vibrant finish. This is on the woody side at present and will probably always reflect this aspect as I don't see all of it being successfully absorbed though it's not enough to compromise the balance. Drink 2008+.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/MaisonChristopheCordier.aspBH 89 (10/2006): Here the wood is more moderate with pain grillé and oak spice nuances combining with floral and slightly exotic fruit aromas that can also be found on the concentrated, generous and succulent flavors that culminate in a racy, precise and intense finish. This wine makes a statement as it offers plenty of backend punch. Outstanding! Drink 2008+.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/MaisonChristopheCordier.aspBH 89 (10/2006): Here the wood is more moderate with pain grillé and oak spice nuances combining with floral and slightly exotic fruit aromas that can also be found on the concentrated, generous and succulent flavors that culminate in a racy, precise and intense finish. This wine makes a statement as it offers plenty of backend punch. Outstanding! Drink 2008+.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/MaisonChristopheCordier.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomDigioia-Royer.aspWA 94 (4/2007): From relatively young vines (though you’d never guess by the taste), the 2005 Gevrey-Chambertin Lavaux St.-Jacques takes a leap up in quality, offering outstanding depth of sweet, ripe cherry, dried cranberry and peach preserves, impressive meatiness, and bracingly salty, bitter-sweet shrimp shell-like, as well as implacably chalky minerality. A certain not unpleasant tartness of fruit and chewy tannin creep into the finish, which exhibits the sort of youthful stamina and energy one anticipates just staring at the youthfully deep purple pool that is a glass of Claude Dugat Gevrey. Visit this dynamic wine in 6-8 years, although it should then have the makings of another decade’s interesting evolution. Known for his low yields and intensely concentrated Pinots (all but the Bourgogne raised in new barrels), Claude Dugat – with the increasing involvement of his son Bertrand – has rendered a formidable 2005 collection that makes no concessions to early charm. BH 92 (1/2008): This too is notably ripe with an expressive and beautifully elegant nose of dark berry, plum and stone notes that introduce detailed and mineral-infused medium full flavors that are firmly structured though not aggressive as the tannins are quite fine and here there is an admirable sense of overall balance and harmony. Lovely if not a knockout though note that it is extremely ripe if not surmature. Drink 2015+. Outstanding!IWC 92 (4/2008): Deep red-ruby. Candied, liqueur-like berries accented by minerals (Dugat finds surmaturite here and notes that 2005 "has all the elements except elegance"). Silky and voluptuous; powerful and liqueur-like but with good resounding lift in the mouth. Despite its ton of fruit, this one manages to remain just this side of heavy. Finishes with big, dusty tannins and reverberating, palate-staining fruit.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ClaudeDugat.aspBH 91-93 (1/2007): Moderate wood frames a classy and very densely fruited nose that mixes soy, clove and anise notes together with violet and blue and black berry aromas that continue onto the sappy, exuberant and relatively powerful flavors that coat the mouth on the linear and driving finish. Despite the punch and vibrancy, this is essentially a wine of finesse and nuance rather than structure and muscle. Drink 2013+. Sweet spot Outstanding!http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomJosephFaiveley.aspBH 91-94 (1/2007): An elegant and highly spiced black fruit nose nuanced by earth, anise and underbrush combines with supple, rich and full-bodied flavors that are sweet, mouth coating and textured, all wrapped in a powerful, detailed and impressively concentrated finish that is strikingly long. You can taste the additional concentration from the tiny yields here. Drink 2015+.IWC 88+ (4/2008): Medium, bright red. Nose dominated by marzipan, herbs and spicy oak. Hints at sweet red fruits on entry, then turns dry, juicy and penetrating, with strongly oaky cherry and almond tones. I find a slightly raw, green quality in the middle palate and on the back end. Finishes with substantial and somewhat dry oak tannins. An awkward showing.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomJosephFaiveley.aspBH 93-96 (4/2007): BH 93-96 (4/2007): There are actually several different cuvées of this wine and at the time of my tasting, Croix had not decided what he was going to use for the final blend. The best of them featured a reserved and very backward, indeed almost brooding nose of ripe and distinctly earth red pinot fruit plus a touch of animale that merges seamlessly into textured, powerful and pure big-bodied flavors that despite the size, richness and raw muscle are harmonious and perfectly balanced. A monument in the making but I reemphasize that this review may or may not reflect the final blend. Drink 2018+. WA 92-94 (4/2007): The 2005 Chambertin (again purchased partly as wine and set to total 250 cases) boasts an impressively healthy if not terribly dark purplish-red hue and an aroma combining lightly-cooked black raspberry, beef marrow, and pungent minerality. In the mouth, this offers satisfying plushness and a very low-toned expression of Chambertin, with cooked raspberry, black licorice, wild mushrooms, and wet stones. The sweetness is wonderfully savory but not superficial and the ineffable sense of minerality runs from the aromatic to the tactile. A faint bit of heat creeps into the finish. I miss a bit of the refinement and winsome, wafting florality of the Latricieres, but this too is a truly grand cru with at least two decades potential.WS 95 (3/2008): This is impressive, from its burst of pure blackberry flavor shaded by spice and mineral to its balance and sophistication. It's silky in texture and builds on the palate to a long finish. Needs years to harmonize completely, but this has energy and length. Best from 2015 through 2040. 185 cases made.IWC 92+ (4/2008): Good deep red with ruby highlights. Complex nose combines blackberry, raspberry, minerals, underbrush and cinnamon. Sweet, rich, full and fine-grained, with lovely purity and juicy lift to its dense dark fruit flavors. This very firmly structured grand cru shows a medicinal reserve today that argues for serious cellaring.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/CamilleGiroud.aspBH 92-95 (4/2007): As good as any of the previous wines are, here there is another dimension to both the very ripe yet elegant and densely fruited nose as well as the concentrated, textured and almost painfully intense flavors that possess superb depth of extract and huge length and finishing drive. An impressive effort in every respect. Drink 2018+. Don't miss!WS 94 (5/2008): A beauty. The firm structure is initially wrapped in a lush cashmere of black cherry, only to appear as this red navigates the palate to its conclusion. The lasting impression is sweet fruit and spice. Be patient, all the goods are there. This is just a touch softer than the Chambertin. Best from 2015 through 2040. 85 cases made.WA 89-91 (4/2007): A 2005 Chapelle-Chambertin (purchased as wine) displays bright black raspberry fruit, salted beef blood, ferrous, resinous pungency, and a strong lash of tannin. A bit of extraneous heat and oak enter into the finish, which however displays undeniable concentration and length. Even a brief interval might bring additional harmony and refinement.IWC 88-90 (4/2007): Good deep red-ruby. Very ripe aromas of black raspberry and sexy oak, with a whiff of game. Big and broad but a bit chunky and heavily extracted compared to the wines Croix vinified himself. Dense, chewy flavors of purple fruits and violet are supported by big oak-driven tannins.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/CamilleGiroud.aspWA 91-93 (4/2007): The 2005 Corton Les Chaumes (from 80- to 90-year-old vines just below the original Charlemagne vineyard) offers aromas of lightly baked cherry, raspberry, rose petal, and chalk dust. Exhibiting a relative delicacy, inner-mouth florality and overt minerality on the palate that bespeak its origins in soils also appropriate to white wine, this fascinating, beautifully-polished, finely-tannic, long-line wine also displays subtle suggestions of meat stock and noble fungus. Given its relatively slight frame and intense youthful perfume, one is tempted to recommend savoring it soon, but no doubt it will reward a decade or more of cellaring while continuing on its ravishing, refined path.BH 90-93 (4/2007): An expressive and distinctly floral nose blends with the background nuance of wood and ripe red and dark berry fruit aromas that merge into elegant and remarkably pure flavors that possess real energy on the linear and powerful and slightly austere finish. This is taut and the muscled flavors just exude a sense of vibrancy and like the Taillepieds, this is defined by its almost extreme minerality. In sum, this is a big but sleek effort. Drink 2017+.IWC 89-92 (4/2007): Good medium red. Raspberry, redcurrant, flint and crushed stone on the nose. Surprisingly dense and broad on entry, then suave in the middle, with lovely inner-mouth aromatic character. Stylish, firm wine with sound acidity and an intriguing floral component.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/CamilleGiroud.aspWA 91-93 (4/2007): The 2005 Corton Les Chaumes (from 80- to 90-year-old vines just below the original Charlemagne vineyard) offers aromas of lightly baked cherry, raspberry, rose petal, and chalk dust. Exhibiting a relative delicacy, inner-mouth florality and overt minerality on the palate that bespeak its origins in soils also appropriate to white wine, this fascinating, beautifully-polished, finely-tannic, long-line wine also displays subtle suggestions of meat stock and noble fungus. Given its relatively slight frame and intense youthful perfume, one is tempted to recommend savoring it soon, but no doubt it will reward a decade or more of cellaring while continuing on its ravishing, refined path.BH 90-93 (4/2007): An expressive and distinctly floral nose blends with the background nuance of wood and ripe red and dark berry fruit aromas that merge into elegant and remarkably pure flavors that possess real energy on the linear and powerful and slightly austere finish. This is taut and the muscled flavors just exude a sense of vibrancy and like the Taillepieds, this is defined by its almost extreme minerality. In sum, this is a big but sleek effort. Drink 2017+.IWC 89-92 (4/2007): Good medium red. Raspberry, redcurrant, flint and crushed stone on the nose. Surprisingly dense and broad on entry, then suave in the middle, with lovely inner-mouth aromatic character. Stylish, firm wine with sound acidity and an intriguing floral component.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/CamilleGiroud.aspWS 94 (5/2008): Very pure, fresh and tasting of black currant, bilberry and wild berry, with beautifully integrated tannins and vibrant acidity. Not big, but sappy. Saturates the palate on the lingering finish. Best from 2014 through 2032. 70 cases made. BH 91-93 (4/2007): When Clos du Roi is on its game, there is no other climat in Corton that can match it for sheer size, weight, power or depth. In the case of this '05, it's almost a blend of the Chaumes and Rognets with its layered ripe black fruit aromas and massive, rich and powerful flavors that preserve a fine sense of balance and exceptional depth though at present the superbly persistent finale is linear to the point of strictness. I like the subtle minerality and this may require up to 15 years in the cellar to really blossom so no point buying this if you're in a rush to drink it. Drink 2017+.IWC 90-93 (4/2007): Good deep red. Medicinal raspberry, menthol and sexy smoky oak on the nose. Then distinctly serious and a bit wild in the mouth, mixing flavors of red berries, spices and menthol. This is classic, youthfully austere Corton, finishing firmly tannic and backward, with notes of menthol, spices and red licorice.WA 89-91 (4/2007): The 2005 Corton Clos du Roi offers lightly cooked and caramel-tinged black raspberry and plum as well as high-toned herbal notes, and comes onto the palate broad and beefy, with firm, fine tannins and a strong, chalk-inflicted finish. This will be slow to show its full potential, and should be revisited soon after bottling, and then again 5-7 years down the pike.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/CamilleGiroud.aspWS 94 (5/2008): Very pure, fresh and tasting of black currant, bilberry and wild berry, with beautifully integrated tannins and vibrant acidity. Not big, but sappy. Saturates the palate on the lingering finish. Best from 2014 through 2032. 70 cases made. BH 91-93 (4/2007): When Clos du Roi is on its game, there is no other climat in Corton that can match it for sheer size, weight, power or depth. In the case of this '05, it's almost a blend of the Chaumes and Rognets with its layered ripe black fruit aromas and massive, rich and powerful flavors that preserve a fine sense of balance and exceptional depth though at present the superbly persistent finale is linear to the point of strictness. I like the subtle minerality and this may require up to 15 years in the cellar to really blossom so no point buying this if you're in a rush to drink it. Drink 2017+.IWC 90-93 (4/2007): Good deep red. Medicinal raspberry, menthol and sexy smoky oak on the nose. Then distinctly serious and a bit wild in the mouth, mixing flavors of red berries, spices and menthol. This is classic, youthfully austere Corton, finishing firmly tannic and backward, with notes of menthol, spices and red licorice.WA 89-91 (4/2007): The 2005 Corton Clos du Roi offers lightly cooked and caramel-tinged black raspberry and plum as well as high-toned herbal notes, and comes onto the palate broad and beefy, with firm, fine tannins and a strong, chalk-inflicted finish. This will be slow to show its full potential, and should be revisited soon after bottling, and then again 5-7 years down the pike.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/CamilleGiroud.aspBH 90-93 (4/2007): A gamy and notably ripe nose of dark berry fruit, smoke and warm earth blends into velvety, rich, mouth coating and powerful flavors that are punchy and indeed even bigger than those of the Chaumes. This trades away the laser-like precision for less finishing austerity. A qualitative choice though the respective characters are quite different and this too will be a long distance runner. Drink 2017+.WA 88-90+ (4/2007): A 2005 Corton Rognets from middle-aged vines in deep, iron-rich soil offers blackberry and mulberry fruit aromas with high-toned sage and spice nuances. This is one of the few Giroud wines (along with a Gevrey En Champs that could not be fairly evaluated) to be significantly stunted by reduction. Still, there is an undeniable density and reservoir of ripe, fresh fruit, and this should come around impressively.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/CamilleGiroud.aspWS 94 (5/2008): A broad, concentrated red, this is full of black cherry, blackberry, vanilla and other sweet spices. A vein of mineral lingers in the background. It's balanced, with the refined tannins covered by fruit at this stage. Very long, echoing spice and mineral in the aftertaste. Best from 2015 through 2038. 180 cases made. WA 93-94 (4/2007): The 2005 Latricieres-Chambertin (purchased partly as grapes and partly as wine) offers a clear, enticing nose of tiny purple plums, blueberries, lilies, beef marrow, and hints of caramel and vanilla. Polished and bright, it exudes the refinement that the Chapelle lacked, leading to a real rush of lingering sweet, caramel- and vanilla-tinged fruit in the finish. The tannins are abundant but ultra-refined. Sock this away for at least a decade and figure on at least an additional decade to hold. There will be a relatively hefty 225 cases. BH 92-95 (4/2007): A subtle dash of oak influence highlights the equally dense dark berry fruit nose of surpassing elegance and refinement that complements perfectly the texture and very Gevrey medium full flavors that in contrast to the nose seem less refined than usual. Indeed, this is a powerful Latricières that at present anyway seems to under emphasize the underlying minerality so typical of this cru though the finish is long, velvety and mouth coating. A qualitative choice though the respective characters are very different. Don't miss! Drink 2018+.IWC 91-94 (4/2007): Saturated ruby-red. Deep, captivating aromas of blueberry, blackberry, violet, minerals and sexy oak. Then juicy and tightly wound but with terrific intensity and lift; with aeration this showed an increasingly creamy, fine-grained texture and noteworthy ripeness and elegance. Very broad wine, dry in a positive way. The longest to this point of these 2005s. Finishes with strong, dusty tannins and lingering notes of dark berries, flowers and minerals. A superb showing today.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/CamilleGiroud.aspBH 95 (7/2007): Moderate oak frames more reserved white flower and acacia blossom aromas that introduce round, rich and sumptuous full-bodied flavors that possess a suave mouth feel because there is dry extract here to burn and this extract confers an almost thick but not heavy palate impression on the imposingly persistent finish. Like the Bâtard, this is presently almost painfully intense and should age well. Don't miss! Drink 2017+.IWC 92+ (10/2007): Pungent, very ripe aromas of spiced apple, marzipan, honey and hazelnut. Large-scaled, round and impressively rich, but with slightly disjointed flavors of superripe fruits, nuts and fresh herbs. Very full but not heavy. This seemed to harmonize a bit with aeration and should be superb with extended bottle aging, but I wouldn't broach a bottle now (if you do, pour it into a carafe). From the Chassagne side and thus a bit less vibrant, especially in the 2005 vintage.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/LouisJadot.aspBH 93 (7/2007): Well-integrated if not invisible wood treatment frames the green apple and white pear nose that is at once airy, reserved and cool and this sense of remove continues onto the rich, full and powerful flavors that are structured and textured while culminating in an explosive finish that is flat out hugely long. There is a powerful acid spine that is completely buffered by ample dry extract that this should age well. Drink 2013+.IWC 93 (10/2007): Rich but reticent nose hints at ripe yellow fruits, smoke, nutmeg and clove. Big, rich and ripe, with strongly mineral flavors of apple, clove and wet stone. Very large-scaled, full wine with terrific mineral persistence. A superb vintage for this bottling.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomPatrickJavillier.aspBH 90 (4/2008): A completely different aromatic profile presents itself with a much more fruit-driven yet also more elegant nose that runs more toward cool red pinot and raspberry and while there is a touch of earth, it's subtle. The medium weight flavors are very Beaune in character with a rich, sweet and generous mouth feel and a detailed and mineral suffused finish. This delicate offering is on the linear side at present but packed with upside potential and vibrancy that should reward 6 to 8 years of cellar time. IWC 87-89 (4/2007): (from a recently purchased parcel of 40- to 45-year-old vines) Bright, deep red. Fruit-driven cherry aroma complicated by licorice and mint. Sweet and fruity but less complex than the Volnay premier cru. In a more vertical style, with a lovely sugar/acid balance. Finishes persistent, firmly tannic and youthfully tight. WA 87-88 (6/2007): From a large but little-known cru between Clos des Mouches and Champs Pimont and a parcel (planted in Chardonnay as well) that the Lafarges just acquired, their 2005 Beaune Les Aigrots displays red cherry and plum with a prominent chew of tart skins and bitterness of their pits. That bitterness, along with sheer density, formidable tannins, and chalky mineral character make for a rather austere youth. But don't count this out. The fruit is impressively pure and more than ripe enough, though lacking in any superficial sweetness, and this Pinot is nothing if not tenacious. Only time - possibly several years - will tell whether this wine's tightness is embryonic.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomMichelLafarge.aspBH 92 (4/2008): This is riper if less elegant with serious and reserved aromas of red berry fruit, warm earth, subtle spice notes and hints of smoke that lead to rich, full, punchy and relatively powerful flavors that possess absolutely superb depth of material on the wonderfully long finish. This is built to age and will require at least a decade to arrive at its majority. This is an extremely impressive and powerful Beaune. Outstanding! Drink 2015+.IWC 91 (4/2008): Good deep red. Brooding aromas of medicinal black cherry and licorice. Big, rich and chewy, combining impressive volume with sweet but vibrant flavors of black cherry and currant. The sweet, youthful finish features lovely broad tannins. This left behind a truffley nuance in the empty glass.WA 90-91+ (6/2007): The vines of Lafarge’s 2005 Beaune Greves have passed seventy years of age, and on this occasion they seem uninterested in trying to charm or cajole the taster. The pure black fruit essences on display in this formidably dense Pinot smell and taste as though they were macerated on chalk pebbles and fruit pits. High-toned notes of herbal distillates in the nose transform themselves on the palate into a bitter-sweet medicinal character. Abundant, fine-grained tannin suggests the need to hold this for 5-7 years before even attempting to revisit it. Right now, there seems to be a virtual avalanche of stones blocking the path to fruit in the finish. Still, given the concentration and ripeness of raw material and the track record of this site in the Lafarge hands, I would hesitate to bet against it in 2005 of all vintages.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomMichelLafarge.aspWA 91-92 (6/2007): The new, dedicated Lafarge bottling of 2005 Volnay Mitans also displays exotic florality and faintly bitter citrus zest and fruit pit character to accompany its ripe but tart cherry and red currant fruit. A rich meat broth character and subtle minerality add depth and complexity on the palate, and this finishes with fine tannins and multi-registered fruit, meat and mineral notes. I imagine this formidably-concentrated wine being a promising candidate for at least 6-8 years of aging, though given the absence of any specific track record, one might want to check in on it sooner.IWC 89-92 (4/2007): Good deep red. Discreet aromas of black cherry and minerals. Juicy, pure and fine-grained but a bit youthfully withdrawn in the middle palate. Then quite suave and palate-saturating toward the back, finishing with a fine dusting of tannins and a note of bitter chocolate. From redder soil, which gives a "very fine Volnay style," says Lafarge.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+.IWC 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 89-92 (4/2007): This too is very ripe (though not roasted) with iron and earth suffused red pinot fruit aromas introducing rich, full, sweet and impressively concentrated flavors that are juicy yet detailed on the generous, sappy and very solidly structured finish. The structure, while quite firm, is not aggressive as there is so much dry extract buffering it that the overall effect is a wine that is delicious, serious and well balanced. Definitely worth a look. Drink 2013+. Outstanding!http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomLatour-Giraud.aspBH 94 (7/2008): Aromatically this is quite similar to the Pucelles with its lovely blend of honeysuckle and exotic fruit hints save for a bit more depth that is found here followed by rich, pure, energetic and almost painfully intense flavors that explode on the wonderfully long and punchy finish that is pure class. Along with the superb 2004, this is the best example of Leflaive BBM since 1985. Drink 2013+.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomLeflaive.aspWS 93 (6/2008): A superb white Puligny, offering lime and mineral aromas and flavors, with hints of flowers and vanilla pastry. It's lean and well-toned, with persistence and a crisp, toast- and mineral-tinged finish. Drink now through 2018. 315 cases imported.BH 91 (7/2008): A discreet touch of pain grillé and reduction frames fresh and exotic aromas of peach, melon and mango that continue onto the round, rich and concentrated flavors that possess real texture due to the solid dry extract on the mouth coating and solidly long finish. This is notably better than it usually is. Outstanding. Drink 2012+.IWC 91 (10/2007): Expressive aromas of peach, butter and vanilla. Dense, chewy and dry, with notes of flowers and marzipan and impressive minerally depth. Classic rich-but-dry white Burgundy, finishing with excellent length. Bottled just two weeks before I tasted it, and more impressive today than when I sampled it from barrel a year ago.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomLeflaive.aspBH 91-93 (7/2007): This is a bit more aromatically complex if not finer or more elegant, featuring white flower and hints of the exotic that can also be found on the rich and powerful medium-bodied plus flavors blessed with plenty of dry extract where the moderately austere finish spreads out like a fan. As noted above, I normally prefer the Combettes to the Pucelles but in '05, it just doesn't have the intensity and vibrancy of the latter though I quite like this as well. If you can find them, buy both as you won't regret either purchase.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomLeflaive.aspBH 93 (7/2008): A very discreet touch of brioche highlights the much more reserved honeysuckle, anise, honeysuckle and apricot aromas that are elegant, pure and wonderfully refined and dissolve into sweet, intense and unusually precise flavors that also reflect more minerality than I typically find in this wine as well, culminating in superb punch and energy. A terrific vintage for Pucelles and one to consider closely. Drink 2013+.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomLeflaive.aspBH 90 (1/2008): Vosne spice and very fresh red pinot and currant aromas lead to racy, intense and precise flavors that possess solid definition on the linear, delicious and vibrant finish. Excellent quality for its level and recommended though note that this has already started to shut down so if you're going to try one young just to see, be sure to give it plenty of air first. Outstanding! Drink 2013+.WA 90 (4/2007): The 2005 Vosne-Romanee Les Colombiere – from 70- to 80-year-old vines in a relatively moisture-retentive site below the Chateau – is possessed of ravishing aromas of strawberry, red currant, black tea, exotic spices, vanilla and wood smoke, offers a striking contrast of creamy texture and bright, tart, red berry and rhubarb fruit on the palate, and finishes with brightness, delicacy and refinement. After so many deep, dark wines of 2005, here is one that is all brightness and light (and indeed quite light in color as well, possibly in part on account of recent sulfuring). IWC 89 (4/2008): Medium-deep red. Expressive aromas of roasted red berries and spices, with a lightly medicinal quality. Large-scaled, rich and sweet, if a bit youthfully sullen today. The long, fairly tannic finish features a flavor of maraschino cherry.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomaineduComteLiger-Belair.aspBH 90 (1/2008): This is a really pretty wine from stem to stern with an expansive and broad-scaled nose that combines red currants, minerals, tobacco and rose petal with plenty of Gevrey earth that continues onto the fresh, sweet, dense and pure flavors that possess that beguiling quality of inner mouth perfume. The finish tightens up substantially as it's both structured and wonderfully persistent with a beautiful sense of underlying tension. Like the old vines Morey, this is a strikingly good villages and recommended.IWC 88 (4/2008): Deep ruby-red. Reticent nose suggests black fruits and meat. Sweet, supple and full but not heavy; rather reserved and tight today and less sappy than the Morey vieilles vignes In a distinctly drier style, finishing with substantial dusty tannins.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/LignierMichelot.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomMaillard.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Jean-PierreMathieu(Roumier).aspWA 92 (4/2007): The 2005 Nuits-St.-Georges Aux Boudots displays an alluring sweetness of black cherry, and nutmeg, and cocoa powder. Yet for all of its obvious, generous ripeness and expansiveness, silken texture, it retains a fine fruit edge. Meat and minerals may come later. With ravishing, seductive length, it is an early charmer that might also be a keeper; but plan to revisit and relish it in 2-3 years. IWC 92 (4/2008): Good deep red-ruby. Superripe aromas of chocolatey dark fruits and mellow oak; slightly liqueur-like. Sweet, dense and fat with fruit, if a bit deeper in pitch than it appeared to be from barrel a year ago. Wonderfully creamy and chocolatey wine that finishes with substantial, thoroughly ripe tannins.BH 91-93 (1/2007): A wonderfully spicy, sexy and seductive nose of a range of black and blue fruit aromas and the range of spices is sufficiently broad that on the nose at least, this could easily be mistaken for a top flight Vosne. The flavors are slightly fresher and brighter than those of the Chaumes with a fullness and density that speaks clearly of the underlying power and punch as this is a big wine with plenty of muscle on the hugely long finish. Great potential here. Outstanding! Drink 2015+.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomMeo-Camuzet.aspBH 91-93 (6/2007): (from Charmes Dessous, planted in 1930). A pungent nose of citrus, particularly lemon but there are grapefruit notes as well, and ripe peach merges into racy, intense and pure medium weight plus flavors that possess excellent punch and I particularly admire the fine acid/fruit balance as it’s well buffered by the copious dry extract, all wrapped in a remarkably long and bone dry finish that offers excellent intensity. Drink 2011+.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/FrancoisMikulski.aspBH 90-92 (6/2007): (from a .72 ha parcel). Ripe green fruit and herbal notes trimmed by very discreet notes of wood marry into rich, full and notably powerful flavors that are sweet, round and sappy as there is ample dry extract that really coats and stains the palate on the precise, delicious and very dry, in the best sense of the term, backend. Drink 2011+.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/FrancoisMikulski.aspBH 90-92 (6/2007): (from a .72 ha parcel). Ripe green fruit and herbal notes trimmed by very discreet notes of wood marry into rich, full and notably powerful flavors that are sweet, round and sappy as there is ample dry extract that really coats and stains the palate on the precise, delicious and very dry, in the best sense of the term, backend. Drink 2011+.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/FrancoisMikulski.aspBH 91-93 (1/2007): A reserved but highly complex dark berry fruit nose gives way to rich yet backward flavors that are big, robust and intense with real muscle and power on the mouth coating and quite densely structured finish that displays the hallmark youthful austerity of young Clos de Vougeot. Drink 2017+.WS 91 (5/2008): A broad-shouldered style, with ample fruit and structure. Black cherry and plum are the main flavor themes, with spicy accents. The tannins show up on the finish, which lingers nicely. Best from 2015 through 2032. 100 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomMoillard.aspWS 84 (12/2008): Shows sweet sawdust aromas, then firms up with stiff tannins framing cherry and berry flavors. A little woody in the end. Best from 2012 through 2022. 150 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomMoillard.aspBH 89-92 (4/2007): The stem influence is revealed by the intense floral character that adds another element to the earthy red berry fruit aromas and continues onto the rich, serious and concentrated flavors that are delicious, precise and intense. This is a no-nonsense old school Pommard with a powerful and strikingly long finale. Impressive but for the patient. Drink 2013+. Outstanding!http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomParent.aspWA 99-100 (4/2007): Perrot-Minot’s 2005 Chambertin Clos de Beze Vieilles Vignes (from 50-year-old vines) leads with a jaw-dropping nose of cassis, licorice, citrus zest, black raspberry liqueur, wood smoke, and candied violets. In the mouth, this presents a smelted alliance of liqueur-like black fruit essence, saline minerality, and deep, roasted meatiness. A subtly oily, creamily-textured feel covers a wealth of refined tannins. For all of its sheer finishing, distilled-fruit intensity and grip, this never neglects the first duty of wine – to refresh – and displays gravity-defying lift as it heads down the runway and takes off for a spectacularly long, high-flying finish of utmost clarity and replete with nuances. Plan on following this wine – should you be so lucky as to latch onto a bottle – for at least 15-20 years.IWC 96+ (4/2008): Bright, deep ruby-red. Sexy, pure aromas of black fruits, violet, mocha and coffee. Suave on entry, with less obvious fat than the Chambertin, then almost shockingly intense and pure, with an ineffable floral perfume suffusing the palate. A sharply delineated wine that finishes with a whiplash of mineral and violet flavors that verges on painful, and a captivating suggestion of white fruits. A great '05. WS 95 (5/2008): Loaded with sweet fruit and stony aromas and flavors, this red delivers an intense core of cherry, raspberry and spice, with well-integrated tannins. Balanced and racy, with a long, concentrated aftertaste of berries and mineral. Best from 2015 through 2040. 345 cases made.BH 94 (1/2008): A supremely elegant and pure nose of red pinot fruit with a potent mix of undertones including smoke, game, iron-infused earth and underbrush leads to sweet, round, suave yet detailed big-bodied flavors that pack real punch as the focus and intensity are remarkable. This isn't quite as big and powerful as the Cham but it's finer and even a touch longer. A qualitative choice though the underlying character of the wines is clearly different. Drink 2015+.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChristophePerrotMinot.aspWA 99-100 (4/2007): Perrot-Minot’s 2005 Chambertin Clos de Beze Vieilles Vignes (from 50-year-old vines) leads with a jaw-dropping nose of cassis, licorice, citrus zest, black raspberry liqueur, wood smoke, and candied violets. In the mouth, this presents a smelted alliance of liqueur-like black fruit essence, saline minerality, and deep, roasted meatiness. A subtly oily, creamily-textured feel covers a wealth of refined tannins. For all of its sheer finishing, distilled-fruit intensity and grip, this never neglects the first duty of wine – to refresh – and displays gravity-defying lift as it heads down the runway and takes off for a spectacularly long, high-flying finish of utmost clarity and replete with nuances. Plan on following this wine – should you be so lucky as to latch onto a bottle – for at least 15-20 years.IWC 96+ (4/2008): Bright, deep ruby-red. Sexy, pure aromas of black fruits, violet, mocha and coffee. Suave on entry, with less obvious fat than the Chambertin, then almost shockingly intense and pure, with an ineffable floral perfume suffusing the palate. A sharply delineated wine that finishes with a whiplash of mineral and violet flavors that verges on painful, and a captivating suggestion of white fruits. A great '05. WS 95 (5/2008): Loaded with sweet fruit and stony aromas and flavors, this red delivers an intense core of cherry, raspberry and spice, with well-integrated tannins. Balanced and racy, with a long, concentrated aftertaste of berries and mineral. Best from 2015 through 2040. 345 cases made.BH 94 (1/2008): A supremely elegant and pure nose of red pinot fruit with a potent mix of undertones including smoke, game, iron-infused earth and underbrush leads to sweet, round, suave yet detailed big-bodied flavors that pack real punch as the focus and intensity are remarkable. This isn't quite as big and powerful as the Cham but it's finer and even a touch longer. A qualitative choice though the underlying character of the wines is clearly different. Drink 2015+.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChristophePerrotMinot.aspWA 90-92 (4/2007): From a site near the route nationale, Ponsot’s 2005 Gevrey-Chambertin Cuvee de l’Abeille offers aromas of black raspberry and brown spices; comes onto the palate with broad richness, its fruit complimented by mineral salt and charred meat flavors; and finishes with surprisingly subtle, low-toned beefy meatiness and wet stone minerality rather than simply obvious sweet fruit. This is remarkably intense for village wine.BH 88-91 (1/2007): A pungently earthy nose features aromas of red and dark berry fruit aromas and plenty of game and underbrush nuances that continue onto the slightly animale suffused flavors that don't possess quite the freshness and energy of the best of these villages wines yet there is plenty of underlying material and Gevrey character. Also recommended. Drink 2013+.IWC 88-91 (4/2007): (from a parcel located just under La Chapelle) Good ruby-red, not quite as dark as the Cuvee des Grives. Liqueur-like black raspberry on the nose, with hints of smoke and meat. Rich, ripe and fruit-driven, with hints of flowers and minerals. Finishes with very fine tannins and excellent length.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomPonsot.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.IWC 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.aspBH 87-90 (1/2007): An ultra elegant and high-toned red pinot fruit nose complements the rich, sweet and detailed flavors that are more fruit than soil-driven but there is good punch to the sweet and delicious finish. I wouldn't describe this as overly deep or serious but the vivacity and generosity are really quite attractive. Drink 2011+.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/NicolasPotel.aspIWC 92-94 (4/2007): Saturated ruby-red. Aromas of blackberry, black cherry, licorice, bitter chocolate and pungent spices. Offers a penetrating, sappy kirsch flavor on the palate, in a rather dense, powerful style. This is powerful without coming across as heavy. Finishes very long and spicy, with terrific freshness.BH 91-94 (1/2007): Deep ruby. A strongly reduced nose gives up little but the well-muscled flavors are big, robust and very powerful and possess the class young Clos de Vougeot youthful austerity. This is very primary and awkward yet the quality of the raw material is clear and this should reward 10 to 15 years of cellar time. Drink 2017+.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/NicolasPotel.aspBH 89-92 (7/2007): Fairly strong reduction blocks the nose but the big, muscular and powerful flavors are impressive rich and full but not as well focused as one might hope for. As such, my range assumes that this will harmonize as the material is certainly here to do so. Promising but try one first if you can. Drink 2010+.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/NicolasPotel.aspWS 90 (5/2008): Rich and full of cherry, raspberry and violet aromas and flavors. This is pure and dense, staining the palate right through to the lingering aftertaste of cherry compote. Best from 2010 through 2020. 350 cases imported.IWC 90 (4/2008): Good dark red. Subdued aromas of ripe plum and chocolate, with a hint of surmaturite Broad, sweet and harmonious, with lush plum, mocha and leather flavors enlivened by sound acidity. With aeration, a lively floral nuance emerged and the wine gained substantially in vinosity. The youthful, rising finish features fresh flavors of sour cherry and minerals. Good, honest, flavorful village wine with a suave character.WA 88 (6/2007): Potel’s 2005 Volnay Vieilles Vignes – representing an inordinately large lot for him, and assembled from seven different parcels, some premier cru – offers aromas and flavors of lightly cooked cherry and blackcurrant tinged with vanilla, licorice and black chocolate. Quite full and imposingly ripe, it just lacks a bit for sap and juiciness, offering a relatively foursquare finish. BH 87-90 (1/2007): Moderate reduction makes the nose difficult to evaluate but the moderately rustic and full-bodied flavors are frank, rich and direct, underpinned by rugged if not aggressive tannins on the supple but admirably dense finish. This is complex and the material is impressive enough though like the Valozières, this won't win any prizes for elegance. Drink 2012+.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/NicolasPotel.aspWA 89 (6/2007): The Potel 2005 Vosne-Romanee Vieilles Vignes leads with aromas of flowers, ginger, elderberry and cassis, then comes onto the palate impressively, saturating, full of black fruits, backed by soy and meat stock reduction. Abundant tannins are somewhat blocking the finish at present, however. As with his village Volnay, this is one of the few Potel offerings of which there is a significant volume (around 800 cases).BH 88-91 (1/2007): An expressive nose jumps from the glass to reveal spice, floral and sexy dark berry fruit aromas that are rich, full, intense and powerful. This is a big wine for a villages with good extract and ample phenolic maturity and while this isn't overly elegant, it's clearly a wine of quality, particularly for its level. Drink 2012+. Outstanding!IWC 88-90 (4/2007): Good deep red-ruby. Aromas of black raspberry, flowers and minerals, along with a meaty nuance. Sweet, fine-grained black raspberry flavor complicated by minerals and bitter chocolate. This is fat with fruit and boasts excellent depth for village wine. Finishes with big, ripe tannins.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/NicolasPotel.aspBH 89-92 (1/2007): This too is quite ripe though by no means surmature, offering a mix of black cherry and blue berry accompanied by ample earth and game hints that continue onto the rich, sweet, textured and fleshy flavors that are generous but not soft on the opulent and deep finish. Like the Gevrey, this is more expressive and accessible than usual at this stage though there is an underlying tannic spine that will enable to improve for up to a decade. Drink 2013+.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomArmandRousseau.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomSarrazin.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomVocoret.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomVocoret.aspBH 96-99 (1/2007): A positively brilliant nose of violet and rose petal shines against a background of intensely spiced extravagant red and black pinot fruit nuanced by hints of earth and stone and this minerality continues onto the surprisingly supple flavors that convey a remarkable sense of energy and power on the almost unbelievably intense, focused and structured finish that seems to go on and on with end. And the '05 VV has what all truly great burgundies have which is that extra dimension of power without weight as this carries terrific punch and power yet delivers that explosiveness with impeccable class and grace. While I am duly mindful of the many legendary wines this domaine has produced (see the database for all vintages reviewed dating to 1919), the 2005 could very well join the list of the all time greats, there is really that much potential here. Whether it will ultimately transcend the heights achieved by the 1919 or the 1949 (among many others) remains an open question, I have zero doubt that 2005 will be a genuinely great vintage for this wine. Drink 2020+. Don't miss!WA 96-98 (4/2007): My notes on the 2005 Musigny Vieilles Vignes represent a composite impression from a selection of barrels. There can be little question that this deep, dark wine displays its class of origin, indeed a class of its own in this year’s collection. Fresh black raspberry, pomegranate, blackberry, and iris dominate the nose and stain the palate. A wealth of spice, mineral, chalky and bitter-sweet floral nuances persistently wreath the fruit at all stages. This shows lovely creaminess of texture in counterpoint to the persistent freshness of fruit. The intensely rich yet refreshing palate saturation and tenacious cling exhibited auger well for extended cellaring yet don’t detract from an impression of utmost elegance and refinement. The domaine will begin bottling the wines in spring and all will, as usual, receive “the minimum, gentlest possible” filtration. Francois Millet notes that skin-to-juice ratios this year were as formidably high as those of 2003, yet thanks to relatively mild temperatures, the fruit retained what he terms a “sorbet-like presentation.”http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomComtedeVogue.aspWS 93 (10/2007): Massive, as far as red Burgundy goes, with a wall of intense cherry, sweet oak, violet and black currant pastille. Underneath there's a firm structure of acidity and tannins. Needs at least five years, maybe 10, to really come together. Best from 2012 through 2030. 491 cases made.BH 92 (1/2007): Moderate wood spice and a pretty if serious mix of red berry, black pinot and plenty of earth influence can be found on the round, rich and very suave full-bodied flavors that possess ample volume and excellent underlying material though the finish is perhaps not quite as precise and delineated as the very best in the range. Still, this offers plenty of character and superb length plus it's less youthfully austere than most examples at this very early stage.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomdelaVougeraie.asp