The product image is for illustrative purposes only and may not exactly reflect the actual characteristics of the wine. Domaine Leroy Chambertin 2005 75clAOC Grand Cru | Côte de Nuits | Burgundy | FranceSold outSize 75 clAll vintages 1959 1978 1990 1994 1995 1996 1997 2005 2009 2011 2013 Critics scores 98 Robert ParkerLeroy’s 2005 Chambertin (like her Musigny and Clos Vougeot, from three parcels) leads with a knockout punch of super-concentrated, liqueur-like black raspberry, cassis, and licorce, rose petal (no, make that the whole rose garden!), and deep, roasted meatiness. Monumentally dense, yet vibrant and energetic, this builds momentum on the palate as it adds black pepper, tactile cinnamon spice, and distilled fruit and herb concentration. I have seldom experienced such a literal (not to mention phenomenally long) finish: it simply wiped the floor with your humble critic. If I were ever to encounter this wine in the ring again, I pray that it won’t be for at least a decade (and that it spots me 98 points). Producer Domaine LeroyAs it became increasingly difficult to find wines that met the high standards of the Maison Leroy label, Madame Lalou Bize-Leroy decided to purchase her own vineyards. Piecing together several estates, she established Domaine Leroy in 1988. Today, the vineyards stretch over 21-hectares across mostly Grand Cru and Premier Cru classified zones. Following Lalou Bize-Leroy’s deep-rooted belief that everything is alive – from the soil to the grapes to humanity – she immediately introduced biodynamic farming out of respect for the terroir. This formerly controversial cultivation practice, is now a widely-known holistic approach that focuses on the interconnectedness of our environment – taking into account astrological and cosmic influences as well. Without the use of any chemical fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, or pesticides the vineyards are tended to year round – everything is hand done. The results of this quality-conscious producer are astounding. The wines are extremely concentrated yet refined, with a rare purity that stems from the property’s intuitive vineyards.