2005 Chevalier Pere et Fils - Ladoix Les Corvees 1er Cru Pinot Noir - France - Burgundy - Cote de Beaune - Ladoix - Red - Premier Cru

I really enjoyed this wine as a great value Burgundy. In terms of color, it had a deep ruby core and on the nose the aromas were pronounced with notes of spice and bramble (or underbrush), reminiscent of Rhone wines. On the nose I detected red fruits such as raspberry and currant. The palate matched the nose revealing clove, cranberry and earthy elements. This wine has medium plus acidity, soft tannins, and light body. This is a very good quality wine that could age another five to ten years and pair wonderfully with light meats or hard cheeses.

This is the third 2005 vintage wine from this producer which I've tasted in as many weeks (filling the 1er Cru spot between the Village and Grand Cru offerings of theirs I've had recently and enjoyed immensely). Color is dark rose red. Nose is unexpectedly dark and brooding, but quite pleasing with its briar/bramble/underbrush qualities. Reminds me more of a Rhone varietal based wine than of Pinot. Lots of blue-black aggregate fruits - blackberry, raspberry, boysenberry, loganberry. Interestingly, this also has a bit of a high-end Barolo tar note and trailing hints of more typical Pinot-esq bright sour cherry and allspice. The palate does an amazing 180 on the nose - bright, clean, sprightly, and super fresh. The acidity is mouth watering and it compliments the bright raspberry fruit and allspice/clove finish.