Tasting Notes
Vinous 87
The 2005 Clos de la Roche Vieilles Vignes Grand Cru from Domaine Ponsot does not fit the billing. Muddled on the nose and simplistic, it never comes near the quality of ethereal vintages like the 1980 or 1985. The palate is just as disappointing and there is clear lack of <em>Pinote</em>. The 2005 is a wine that seems unable to contend with the level of expectation heaped upon it. Thankfully, there are other superior vintages from Ponsot.
Burghound 99
Tasting note: All the superb and dramatic complexity that this displayed from barrel has made it into bottle as an extremely ripe and fantastically broad nose soars from the glass, merging seamlessly into dense, pure rich and powerful flavors that are opulent, sweet and dripping with so much extract and sap that the combination stains and saturates the palate on the hugely proportioned yet impeccably balanced finish that is so long that it doesn’t seem possible. Given how many reference standard vintages Domaine Ponsot has produced of the Clos de la Roche over the years, it would be presumptuous to anoint this as the best ever but if it isn’t, it will certainly take its rightful place among the very greatest. In sum, a ‘wow’ wine that makes you shake your head in sheer amazement. However be aware that this is a buy and forget wine as it will require at least 15 years to shed its considerable tannins and it will see 50 years without difficulty.
