2005 Mazoyeres Chambertin Vieilles Vignes

The 2005 Mazoyeres-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes – from 75-year-old vines in stony, iron-rich soil up against the Latricieres and Combottes – displays aroma of deep, dark, liqueur-like berry fruit laced with wood smoke, aromatic herbs and chocolate; a brothy, rich, carnal as well as sweetly berry-fruited palate impression; obvious, yet-fine grained tannins, and an almost traumatic intensity and persistence. This mysterious and powerful yet elegant masterpiece-in-the-making looks to require even more time in a cellar than the Charmes to do it justice. Importer: Martine’s Wines, Novato, CA; tel. (415) 883-0400.

(from vines planted in the 1930s in the highest part of this cru, typically yielding tiny, millerande grapes) Full ruby. Very dark aromas of blackberry, licorice, violet, bitter chocolate and peppermint. Densely packed and superconcentrated, conveying an impression of outstanding thrust and power. Offers great sap and almost painful intensity of flavor. A huge wine with superb sweetness, finishing with substantial but suave and fine-grained tannins and palate-staining persistence.