2005 Domaine Guy et Thierry Amiot Le Montrachet Grand Cru

BURGHOUND TASTING NOTES:
Note: from two tiny parcels of vines on the Chassagne side totaling only .09 ha planted in 1923 that have never been worked by tractor because the slope is so steep and thus the vines are worked only by hand. This too is planted entirely to le vrai chardonnay and the parcels are part of the old Dents de Chien vineyard that were included as part of Montrachet as a result of an agreement reached at Beaune in 1921; aged in 100% new wood

Producer note: Thierry Amiot told me that "2005 is an excellent vintage and it's rare to have such uniform quality in both red and white. It's comparable to 2002, 1990 and 1985 and while there was hail in Chassagne and Santenay, it fell early enough to remain a quantity rather than quality issue for us as we lost between 15 and 20%. Thankfully August was dry and cool which allowed the damaged berries to desiccate and mostly fall to the ground. The cool weather also prevented the spread of rot. We began picking on September 16th as we were more interested in acidity than sugar. Indeed the sugars were impressive and there was essentially no chaptalization. Overall, 2005 is a vintage that should please everyone." The present plan is to bottle the reds in March. (Kermit Lynch, Berkeley, CA; Robert Chadderdon Selections and Diageo Château and Estate Wines, both New York, NY; Richard Walford, Lea & Sandeman, H&H Bancroft, Rare & Fine Wine, House of Townend, all UK).

(93 Points) Tasting note: A backdrop of wood toast and vanilla mixes with impressively complex and dense floral aromas that are almost exotic and this exotic character continues onto the big, rich, sweet and vibrant flavor profile that possesses even better depth. This is clearly a serious wine with considerable power and reserve on the opulent and hugely long finish. Tasted: Jul 01, 2007 Drink: 2012+, Burghound Issue 27