The magnificently pure and airy essence of notably ripe dark pinot fruit, cassis and menthol remains reserved and cool with its exceptionally rich, classy, sweet and vibrant mineral-driven and large-scaled flavors that are shaped by powerful if buried tannins. While magnificently long, this stunning Ducster is completely shut down at present and it would be a vinous crime to open one at this very early point in its development as the '05 is built for the very long haul, indeed 20 years may be too soon. In my view, the '05 Ducster is destined to take its place alongside the greatest vintages of the past, and while the words "best ever" are presumptuous in a wine with such a distinguished history, the mere fact that it has the potential to be among the very best ever is praise enough.

(WA94-95 points) The d’Angerville 2005 Volnay Clos des Ducs displays even more obvious structure than the Champans as well as concentration and complexity than the Taillepieds. Deep, rich meatiness, juicy fresh black fruits, bitter-sweet chocolate richness, ginger and cardamom, and chalky minerality are present throughout. This displays enough inner-mouth perfume and fineness of flavor to hold one’s interest and release one’s saliva for an extended period. Fine-grained and finely-integrated tannins are part of this wine’s tenacious cling. It will surely figure as one of the best in a long and distinguished line and be worth following for 15-20 years. This is one of those 2005s whose market price I have heard tell is bringing Pinot lovers to tears of despair, although the suggested retail pricing from the importer confirms the fact that neither they nor the domaine were greedy when it came to pricing this latest collection. (The impressively concentrated 2004 is a bit sweet-sour and faintly warm in finish today, but unlike so many wines of that vintage it is apt to have more to say for itself in another couple of years.) - David Schildknecht

Tasted at Fine Wine Experience’s Clos des Ducs vertical. Deep ruby colour. I was uncertain about this Clos des Ducs out of barrel, but this bottle indicates that any fears were unfounded. The ’05 has an understated nose at first: redcurrant, a touch of cranberry, a touch of violet and just a very faint touch of volatile lift. Superb definition. The palate is full-bodied, very concentrated and simply giving nothing away at the moment. Closed down, tightly coiled, the finish like a door slamming in your face and demanding you come back later...say in 10 years time. Drink 2015-2025.

A little reticent, showing subtle cherry and berry notes on a dense, rich profile. Peppery and vibrant, with sweet fruit, solid tannins and a long, long finish. Everything is in the right proportion, but this needs time. Best from 2014 through 2028. 175 cases imported. –BS

(93+ points) The 2005 Volnay Clos des Ducs 1er Cru is a vintage I have not encountered for some time. At first, it is closed and obdurate on the nose, though there is fruit concentration here. It's just a Clos des Ducs that is playing its cards close to its chest. Earthy? The palate is initially tight-fisted, only reluctantly opening and offering tantalizing glimpses of a sweet core of fruit. Yet it feels distant that the moment, perhaps exaggerated when juxtaposed here against the more expressive 2010 Clos des Ducs. Patience required. Tasted at the Marquis d'Angerville tasting in London. -- Neal Martin

Reflecting the characteristics of this tannic, slow-to-mature vintage, the 2005 Clos des Ducs still needs further time in bottle: 'It will take 30 years to open,' says Guillaume d'Angerville. Pretty dry in comparison to 2010. Strong tannic framework, intense berry and currant fruit, this definitely needs more time to flesh out.