Tasting Notes
Neal Martin 96
The 2005 Grands-Echezeaux Grand Cru is a wine I have not encountered since just after bottling. It has a fabulous bouquet, so pure and complex, its mineralite riveting you to the spot. Crystalline. The palate has a divine balance with immense poise, which is uncommon in this muscular vintage. The tannins seem to have melted in recent years, exerting a gentle grip with a hint of shaved black truffle on the finish. This is in a good place at the moment. Tasted at the La Paulee in Beaune.
Anticipated maturity: 2023-2050
Vinous 93+
Fresh ruby-red color. Black raspberry, mocha, smoky spices and earth on the rather discreet nose. Sweet but high-pitched, communicating an impression of more youthful fruit than the Echezeaux. This boasts terrific lift and aromatic intensity in the mouth but is quite backward today. Finishes extremely long, with nicely integrated tannins and excellent verve. I love the energy here. But this will need 15 years.
Wine Advocate 96
A slightly deeper ruby hue than the Echezeaux. The nose is less inviting at first but certainly has more depth and darker fruit. Raspberry, Doris plum, brambly fruits and like the Echezeaux (and indeed, Dujac’s best 2005’s) a sorbet like quality developing with time but refusing to advance any further than the background. After fifteen minutes there is a greater sense on minerality and definition with a more floral element evolving. The palate is medium-bodied with absolutely stunning precision and poise with a minerality coming through on the mid-palate. Supreme focus, more taut than the Echezeaux with notes of raspberry leaf, red cherry, touch of cranberry and minerals. Superb length: an outstanding Grands Echezeaux. Tasted February 2008.
JancisRobinson.com 18
Briliant crimson robe. Quite intense and burly – positively autumnal already. Wonderful combination of richness and delicacy. Convincing fine tannins on the finish. Very complete and unmistakably 2005 whereas the Echezeaux is a little less thrilling. Long and vibrant and revitalising. Really a tonic of a wine. Much more vivid than the Echezeaux.
Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030
