Initially this was quite firmly reduced though after 15 minutes or so of aeration, vigorous swirling coaxes ripe but fresh and superbly elegant and pure aromas that are wonderfully broad and include red, black, blue and violet aromas as well as seemingly a full cupboard of Asian spices. The robust and extremely rich, full-bodied and naturally sweet flavors that are quite floral in the mouth culminate in a detailed and hugely long finish where the tannic spine is firm but not hard or unduly rigid. In the same fashion as many of the top 2005s today, this is years away from being ready for prime time and it’s definitely a wine to leave buried in the back of your cellar but when this is finally ready it's going to be brilliant. 2030+

The aromas are seductive, exuding raspberry, red currant, cherry and spice notes. More muscular and powerful on the palate, full of dense tannins, this is concentrated, ripe and long. Needs time for the two parts of the wine to harmonize. Best from 2016 through 2040. –BS

The 2005 Richebourg suggests lightly cooked cherry lilies and vanilla-chocolate pot de creme coming onto the palate with a gentle wave of creamy fruit almost shockingly open-knit and youthfully generous. Low-toned richness of salted beef broth and a hint of wet stone add hints of gravitas but despite ample (refined) tannins there is nothing to restrain a veritable gushing of ripe juicy sweet finishing fruit. This might close up for a time but these early indications suggest one ought to revisit it in 3-5 years and expect it to offer much earlier enjoyment than the Grands-Echezeaux or Romanee-St.-Vivant.