Chambertin, Domaine Jacques Prieur 2005

A supremely classy, refined and regally reserved nose of a simply amazing panoply of aromas that run the entire gamut of fruit from red to black and includes spice, game, leather, tea, underbrush and plenty of Gevrey earth that can also be found on the rich, full, powerful and robustly structured flavors that are perhaps a bit more new world in style than the rest of the range yet it sacrifices no sense of detail on the textured and hugely long finish. This isn't really my style but there is no question that the '05 Cham is a genuinely great wine.

Full ruby. Brooding, deep aromas of blackberry, black cherry, minerals, violet and earth. Pure, precise and superconcentrated, with uncanny density and strength of blackberry and floral flavor. This saturates the entire palate, finishing with very firm tannins, a lightly mentholated quality and great persistence. Will need extended aging to express its inherent complexity. The year for Chambertin," notes Martin Prieur, who added that the Prieur parcel is located in a "much less regular spot" (in terms of ripening) than some others. Potentially great for this cuvee