The 2005 Beaune Les Marconnets 1er Cru has an attractive bouquet with brambly red fruit, dried rose petals and peony, demonstrating more vigor and tension than the Avaux. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant but firm tannins and dark berry fruit. It's saline in the mouth with a liberal sprinkling of white pepper on the finish. Very fine. Tasted at the Bouchard Père tasting in London. -- Neal Martin