A few 2005 burgundy

Before the December birthday party on 29th Dec 2008, three of us drank the following Grand Crus at Manly. All of them are very enjoyable.

2005 Hudelot Noellat Clos de Vougeot ****
(aromatic, elegant and very nice to drink right now)
2005 Pascal Lachaux Bonnes Mares ***
(not ready, chunky and big, have potential)
2005 Robert Groffier Bonnes Mares *****
(very elegant, floral with nice oaky background, unbeliveable balance. not heavy but with complexity. Still young but very drinkable. One of the best burgundy I drank in 2008! So expecting to open the 2005 Chambolle Musigny Les Amourouses to see the difference)

Below are the TNs from AM

Tasting note: A moderately oaked nose of red and black pinot fruit nuanced by ample earth and sauvage notes that continue onto the notably sweet, full and concentrated flavors supported by firm and dusty tannin on the youthfully austere finish. This is a classically styled and quite ripe Clos de Vougeot with excellent dry extract levels. 91-94

There are some stocks left at Manly, $1XXX.

Purchased price $2xxx Tasting note: I was frankly shocked to find that the aromatic profile here was even more elegant and arguably finer than that of the Amoureuses with its bright red and blue pinot fruit, minerals and spice notes, particularly anise that complement to perfection the sleek, taut, brooding and focused flavors that explode on the hugely long and deep finish. This is an impressive wine that has that 'wow' factor. 94