2005 Clos de la Roche
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Tasting notes
The 2005 Clos de la Roche Vieilles Vignes could not be more of a contrast with the Clos St.-Denis. Only the roughly seven acre “Clos within the Clos de la Roche,” Laurent asserts, really has rocks rising to the surface, and that is what he claims is exhibited here. Chocolate-covered black cherries, coconut, resin, and vanilla comprise this wine’s exuberant, distinctly oak-accented personality. At the same time, there are undoubtedly stony, chalky mineral characteristics, most evident in the finish. While rich and intense, and possessed of flattering creaminess of texture, I find this oddly split in its personality. It certainly needs time to reveal its true nature, and perhaps its seeming bifurcation is a function of the moment or the taster. A Patrick Lesec Selection, Paris Fax 011 33 4 66 37 67 23; Martin Scott Wines, Ltd., Lake Success, NY Tel. (516) 327 0808
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Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
David Schildknecht, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Saturated, bright red-ruby. Very ripe aromas of black plum and dark chocolate. Silky on entry, then dense and sappy in the middle, with a rocky impression of energy. This builds and expands toward the back, saturating the palate with crushed stone and minerals. Wonderfully chewy Clos de la Roche with great potential.