More 2005 Red Burgundies

We had the opportunity to taste some 20 wines that were being poured at Zachy's Wine Store in Scarsdale as a sales promotional. As it was a stand-up affair it was difficult to juggle a glass of wine and note pad at the same time while trying to take notes. In the end I realized it was simply not possible to make exhaustive notes so my notes are brief. Wines ranged from 1er cru Beaune to Bouchard's Le Chambertin.

David Croix Beaune Cent Vignes: Organic (earth, mushrooms, game etc) notes rather than fruit driven ones on the nose. Earthy, quite ripe with mid palate intensity. Gentle grip; not tightly wound . Fruit barely nestled inside a kernel of acidity so it is a bit more open and enjoyable now compared to some others where the fruit has been subsumed by acidity and veneered over i.e. shut down. Lovely wine. 89 points

David Croix Beaune Pertuisets: The scent of minerals and violets dominate the nose and once again aromas of fruit are not dominant. Compared to the above wine this wine is driven by acidity which carries the delicate, yet intense, fruit to a long and vibrant finish. Focussed and perfumed. This is an exceptional value. 90 points

Pavelot Beaune Bressandes: All about fruit (raspberry) and though quite nice and pretty it does not have the class of the Croix wines. 87 points

Potel Pommard Vignots: Dominated by new oak. Not deep but thoroughly enjoyable as there is not much acidity masking the fruit. 88 points

Gouges Nuits St.Georges Clos des Porrets: Typically hard and minerally. Closed in already but ripe of fruit and ample tannins are discernible with coaxing . Promises to age well. 89+points

Jadot Gevrey Combes Aux Moines: Unexpectedly (for a Jadot wine) this is not very dark and is very bright and fresh. While there is rich extract it is light on its feet and the fruit is pure and not overlaid with obfuscating oak tannins . Promises to be an exciting wine. 91+ points

Bouchard Beaune Vignes Les Enfant Jesus : Utterly captivating and focussed. Rich acidity . Long and aromatic. 91+ points

Bouchard Le Chambertin: Grand Vin. Broad, restrained and powerful. 95+ points

David Duband Clos Vougeot : Tasted alongside Duband's Nuits Aux Thorey (85 pts) and his Morey Sorbes (86 pts) this wine towers over them and shows flashes of Grand Vin . Made in a forward style it is earthy and truffley and the restrained use of new oak keeps this wine on an even keel .Overall the wine is impressively made. 91-92 points