2005 - Pommard 1er Cru Les Rugiens, Domaine de Montille

The 2005 Pommard Rugiens delivers aromas of spice-tinged black cherry and raspberry with floral overtones. In the mouth this boasts a wonderful combination of creaminess of texture and chocolate low-toned richness, yet with energy and brightness of sweet fruit that carries in to a voluminous, luminous, savory, salty, meaty, chalky, resinous finish. The tannins are so fine and the mineral-carnal-floral layering with the fruit so clear that I am once again put more in mind of Volnay than Pommard. Various importers, including Beaune Imports, Berkeley, CA; tel. (510) 559 1040. Also, a Thomas Calder Selection, Paris; fax 011-33-1-46-45-15-29

Good deep red. Penetrating aromas of dark raspberry, violet and spices. Suave and rich, with a mineral pungency giving the mid-palate a perfumed character. Builds slowly toward the back, finishing with substantial broad tannins and lovely lingering spicy persistence. Wonderfully rich without coming off as heavy, in the style of this premier cru. But this very young wine is a bit inexpressive and tannic today and will require at least five or six years of patience.