2005 Domaine des Lambrays Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru (1.5L)

A red of purity and suppleness. Reveals a dense core of cherry, spice and mineral aromas and flavors allied to a firm structure, while great energy propels this to a long, lingering aftertaste. A combination of power and finesse. Best from 2014 through 2030. *Collectible, #26 Top 100 Wines of 2008* (BS)

This had not come my way since 2010, at least not from large format and time is treating it well. A fully mature (though with no sous-bois) and relatively deeply pitched nose is comprised by notes of dark berry, spice, warm earth and a hint of animale character. There is obvious minerality suffusing the rich, full and naturally sweet broad-scaled yet elegant flavors that are coat the palate on the complex and wonderfully persistent finish. This is a powerful and serious vintage for Clos des Lambrays that, for my taste at least, has largely reached its apogee though it should be capable of holding for another 20+ years in magnum format. In a word, excellent.