(this was Benjamin Leroux's first vintage at Domaine des Epéneaux): Full medium red with little sign of amber. Aromas and flavors of black raspberry, spices and dried flowers are complicated by a suggestion of underbrush. Still tight and evolving at a snail's pace, displaying a touch of sweetness and decadence but framed by brisk acidity. A rather traditionally styled Pommard with a serious dusting of tannins and a late note or orange zest. Nicely balanced wine, but with its strong acidity and dusty tannins still in need of a couple more years of aging--or some time in a decanter.

Extravagant aromas explode from the glass with intensely spicy, black fruits together with a terrific inner core of pinot extract. Seductive, lush and extremely long with powerful, densely packed tannins completely wrapped in velvet, this should drink well both young and old. Exceptionally good with a lingering, almost haunting finish. Clearly Pommard in character but with more style and elegance than most." I wrote this regarding the barrel sample and I am pleased to report that everything that I saw in barrel made it into the bottle. The only additional characteristic that bears mentioning is the exquisite harmony this displays, seamlessly combining every element. Really a lovely effort and as noted, this should age for a long time.

More violets on the nose of this lovely wine (see my note on the 2002 tasted alongside it). Rich and vibrant, this wine has lovely life and richness as well as the density that characterises this wine. Likely to have a long life. Definitely the star of a group that included 2004, 2003 and 2002. Do we just need patience for a good vintage? (JR)