2005 Château de la Tour Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru

opened from personal storage). Still deeply colored though there is some lightening at the rim. Ripe, fresh and complex aromas blend both primary and only a touch of secondary fruit aromas (though no sous-bois) with those of earth, spice and subtle floral wisps. There is excellent concentration, power and richness to the larger-scaled and serious flavors that possess impressive complexity on the lingering finale where the only reproach is a touch of warmth. This is a lovely 2005 with none of the excesses that some wines display and while it could be enjoyed now, it could also easily be held for a few more years first. I would add that this is a wine that I know well thanks to having had multiple bottles of it over the years. As such, I would observe that it's a wine where I have experienced some bottle variation as some examples are as described in my note and some flirt with dryness on the finish that isn't enough to cut the persistence but is enough to detract from the overall sense of balance. My ratings have ranged from 91 to 94.