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96-97 WA. "The 2005 Charmes-Chambertin (from 80-year-old, tiny-berried, tiny-clustered vines in the core Charmes) is destined to become one of the benchmarks of this great vintage as well as of Bachelet’s career. Too bad there will only be around 200 cases! A gorgeous nose of black cherry, blackberry, violets, rowan berry and licorice leads to a deeply black-fruited, expansive, satin-textured palate with undertones of bitter black chocolate, bitter-sweet roasted nuts, chalk, and iodine. (The iodine lends these black fruits a slightly medicinal aspect – and what wouldn’t this cure, I wonder?!). This Charmes exhibits amazing density and low-toned flavors in combination with lift, elegance and persistently engaging primary fruit juiciness. The carnal side of Pinot is entirely sublimated for now and the tannins so fine as to melt into the background." David Schildknecht, Wine Advocate #170, Apr 2007 |