(est. 700-$900) Medium red. Aromas of red cherry and Oriental spices, with a liqueur-like aspect. Sweet, aromatic and penetrating, with lovely acidity giving shape and life to the silky, slowly mounting flavors. In a distinctly feminine style, and more expressive in the mouth today than the Grands-Echezeaux. A supple, suave, sappy wine with a light touch. Finishes long, with dusty tannins.

A deft touch of wood frames exuberantly expressive and luxurious black fruit nose nuanced by a huge range of spices including anise, clove and cinnamon with notes of tea and hoisin as well. The moderately full flavors are sappy, rich and sweet with ample volume and a palate drenching finish that benefits from an underlying sense of vibrancy. There is real energy here, which seems to collect and focus the flavors. Terrific stuff and exceptionally long and the only aspect that prevents this from catching the Richebourg is that it doesn't quite have the same degree of phenolic ripeness.

Looks much more than one year older than the 2005 – quite light to mid ruby.  This looks very developed indeed. Coffee grounds on the smudgy nose. Transparent and a bit beetrooty rather than pure fresh fruit.  Attractive texture and sweeter than most 2004 burgundies. Hint of cough medicine, and slightly rusty nails hardness on the finish, but not very persistent.  A lack of purity here.   (JR)