The 2005 Nuits-St.-Georges Aux Vignerondes, from a little-known cru just below Chaignots (which itself seems to have been a magic spot this year) sports a resinous, herbal, high-toned aroma, pine nuts and sage mingling with ripe black raspberry and plum. In the mouth, this exhibits real girth and grip, yet for all of the enveloping aspect of the fruit, there is plenty of bright freshness as well to carry into a finish with low-toned, up-welling of meat and minerals. This Nuits displays amazing richness, energy, and sheer intensity not to mention clarity of fruit. Importer: Martine’s Wines. Novato, CA; tel. (415) 883-0400

Bright ruby-red. Lovely pure aromas of dark raspberry, black cherry, minerals and flowers. Rich and layered but at the same time juicy, precise and penetrating, with enticing dark fruit and mineral flavors and a Vosne-like suppleness of texture. Finishes with superb, perfumed length, with sweet, fine tannins and vibrant, harmonious acidity. A great vintage for this cuvee