Tortochot Charmes Chambertin 2005 (750ML)

92 BH

For readers who may be unfamiliar with Domaine Tortochot, this approximately 11 ha domaine is now operated and managed by Chantal Tortochot-Michel. The wines are relatively old school in terms of style and structure though they do see plenty of wood at the grand cru level, which is to say 100%. Mme. Tortochot told me that she was very happy with the way her 2005s had turned out and I have to agree wholeheartedly as I was quite impressed. It's clear that quality is on the upswing here and this is a domaine worth following. Moreover, given the extremely reasonable prices the wines typically sell for, they are bargains, a descriptor one rarely hears uttered in the same breath with Côte de Nuits grand cru.

Tortochot indicated that her '05s were bottled between November, 2006 and February, 2007.

Tasting note: Discreet but not invisible wood frames a ripe nose of blue and red pinot fruit that offers up notes of natural spice, underbrush, earth and a hint of violets that dissolve into equally earthy, serious and intensely sauvage big-bodied flavors that culminate in a robust and muscled finish that delivers excellent length. This is a big Charmes, indeed it could easily pass for a Mazoyères. AM