Anne Gros, Richebourg Grand Cru 2005

robert_parker95

Reviewed by: David Schildknecht

The 2005 Richebourg leads with intense blackberry, raspberry, cedar and smoked meat aromas, then coats all reaches of the palate with faintly oily, rich fruit. This has power and grip, yet a refined, creamy texture, subtle, mouth-watering acidity, and terrific precision in its smoke- and mineral-tinged black fruit and marrow finish. Also recommended: 2005 Bourgogne Hautes-Cotes de Nuits ($42.00; 86). A Peter Vezan Selection (various importers), Paris; fax 011 33 1 42 55 42 93.

robert_parker94

Reviewed by: William Kelley

The 2005 Richebourg Grand Cru marks the transition to the domaine's contemporary style, wafting from the glass with a rich and fruit-driven bouquet of cassis, plums and black raspberries that's framed by a lavish application of creamy new oak. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, dense and concentrated, with a deep and fleshy profile that's still quite wrapped up in its fine-grained tannic chassis, buttressed by tangy acids. In its impactful, modernist style it's quite a success, though it's still several years away from prime-time drinking.

robert_parker97

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

This is a serious Richebourg from Anne, whose 2001 trumped opposition in the form of DRC and Leroy at the end of 2006. Her 2005 has the same elan, with an ineffably pure nose of raspberry, wild strawberry, mango sorbet and minerals. Brilliant delineation on the full-bodied palate that retains its femininity and puissance. Racy acidity with a touch of bitter chocolate on the finish, this is a marvellous Richebourg that whilst meriting cellaring, is delicious to imbibe now (albeit sacrilegiously). Drinking 2009-2020. Tasted January 2007.