La Pousse d'Or, Corton Clos du Roi Grand Cru 2005

robert_parker93

Reviewed by: David Schildknecht

What a contrast to the Bressandes is Landanger’s 2005 Corton Clos du Roi! While bottled at the same time, this has its act together today, from intense aromas of black raspberry, fresh raw meat, cedar, praline, and cinnamon, through a polished, refined, juicy, clear-fruited and sweetly marrowy palate, to its refined tannins and chalky, meaty, darkly-fruited finish. I’d revisit this in 5-7 years and anticipate considerable positive evolution thereafter. Also recommended: 2005 Volnay Caillerets ($104.00; 86+?). In the decade since the ambitious and conscientious Patrick Landanger (who just bought an estate in the Douro, whence he was headed the Sunday we met) purchased Pousse d’Or, he has expanded the holdings to include parcels in Corton and Puligny Caillerets, and made huge investments in the vineyards and cellar. Not surprisingly given nature’s role, the 2005s – which he called unproblematic in every respect – look to set new quality standards for his tenure. Landanger says he was very sparing with punch-downs this year and entirely eschews pump-overs because he never pumps (and thus doesn’t filter either). The wines had just been bottled, and a couple of them appeared to be laboring under the effects of this (or at least of the sulfur administered beforehand). Importer: Langdon-Shiverick Imports, Cleveland, OH; tel. (216) 861 6800 and a Peter Vezan Selection, Paris; fax 011 33 1 42 55 42 93