2005 Domaine Gros Frère et Soeur Richebourg Grand Cru

($499) Ruby-red. Ripe, smoky, expressive aromas of musky raspberry, minerals, spices, mocha and game. Large-scaled, full, silky and seamless; boasts a chocolatey ripeness but sound acidity gives it more energy than the other two grand crus. Finishes very long and very ripe, with lush tannins that dust the entire palate. Balanced for a long life in bottle.

Author: Stephen Tanzer

Issue: March/April 2008

A potent but very reserved, indeed almost backward mix of wood spice, Vosne spice, earth, smoke, animale and gorgeous black berry fruit aromas blend into rich, full and wonderfully deep flavors that are supple and not as concentrated as those of the GE but there is no lack of mid-palate fat to buffer the somewhat austere and firmly structured finish. I like the balance here and there is really good depth of material that is presently robust but hugely long and this should make for a most impressive wine in 12 to 15 years.

Author: Allen Meadows

Issue: 1st Quarter, 2008