After all of the dramatic vinous fireworks of the Clos St. Denis, I foolishly remarked that it would surprise me greatly if the Clos de la Roche could surpass it. Ponsot looked surprised, then winked and simply said "decide for yourself". Well dear reader, I have to admit that as great as the Clos St. Denis is, and it is indeed monumental, the '05 Clos de la Roche is a fraction better still, hard as that may be to believe. I have a general preference for the Clos St. Denis in most vintages but not this one. An extremely ripe and fantastically complex nose soars from the glass, merging seamlessly into dense, pure rich and powerful flavors that are opulent, sweet and dripping with so much extract and sap that the combination stains and saturates the palate on the hugely proportioned yet impeccably balanced finish that is so long that it doesn't seem possible. Given how many reference standard vintages Domaine Ponsot has produced of the Clos de la Roche over the years, it would be presumptuous to anoint this as the best ever but if it isn't, it will certainly take its rightful place among the very greatest. In sum, a 'wow' wine that makes you shake your head in sheer amazement. BH
Producer: Ponsot
Vintage: 2005
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Country: France
Region: Burgundy
Sub-Region: Cote de Nuits
Appellation: Morey St Denis
Sub-Appellation: Clos de la Roche
SKU: #
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