2005 Richebourg Grand Cru
By Domaine Leroy
2005 Richebourg Grand Cru from Domaine Leroy, Burgundy, France
There are few vintages that command the reverence and anticipation among connoisseurs as the 2005 Richebourg Grand Cru from Domaine Leroy. This remarkable year stands as a testament to Burgundy's irrefutable position in the firmament of fine wine. My lifetime's experience with this region is rife with many a memorable year, yet embarking on the journey with the 2005 vintage has been both an exquisite pleasure and an insightful endeavour.
Domaine Leroy: Meticulous Craftsmanship
The stewardship of Lalou Bize-Leroy has seen Domaine Leroy rise to eminence with a steadfast commitment to biodynamic viticulture, lending a distinctive purity and intensity to their cuvées. Such endeavours are most rewarding in years like 2005, where climatic grace aligned with vinicultural precision to forge wines of resounding depth and complexity.
A Vintage Apart: The 2005 Legacy
The arresting allure of the 2005 Richebourg Grand Cru lies in its exquisite balance. Nature proffered Burgundy a generous helping hand in 2005, boasting near-ideal conditions that resulted in richly concentrated fruit and formidable tannic structure. Upon sipping this nectar, one immediately discerns notes of fresh black cherries and profound earthy undertones. With further aeration, hints of allspice and licorice unravel seamlessly amidst the bouquet.
Inherent in this vintage is a finely wrought tension between power and elegance, characteristic of exemplary Burgundy but elevated here to an art form. The terroir of Richebourg imparts unmistakable character; the wine's layered complexity and lingering finish are truly captivating. Savvy investors will appreciate the 2005's extraordinary potential for cellaring, promising burgeoning dimensions of flavour when allowed time to unfurl.
As we consider the investment potential of such a vaunted bottle, it is worth noting that prestigious vintages such as the 2005 Richebourg Grand Cru not only promise an extraordinary tasting journey but also represent an auspicious addition to any discerning investor's portfolio. In essence, this is a wine that utterly embodies the term 'liquid elegance'—and its future prospects within the market look every bit as alluring as its sensory bouquet.
Market price (HKD)
HK$1,175,100.00
12x75cl
Highest score
95
POP score
8195.33
Scores and tasting notes
Their 2005 Richebourg leads with black raspberry liqueur, crystalized ginger, coconut, and candied violets. In the mouth, a meaty element, enhanced spiciness and a tart yet stewy rhubarb note emerge. To state that the overall impression is fat, full and creamy seems unnecessarily repetitive. But there is much more obvious tannin and new wood (even though it is the same 100%) in evidence than with the wines that proceeded it, and perhaps partly in consequence the formidably long finish is dominated by roasted meats with a sort of dry-rubbed spiciness, the suggestions of fruit more spiritous than fleshy. Still, the sheer intensity displayed is itself remarkable. This would be an amazing wine to revisit, but probably not inside a decade. Importer: Martine’s Wines. Novato, CA; tel. (415) 883-0400
David Schildknecht - The Wine Advocate, 28 June 2007