Pernand-Vergelesses 2005, Domaine d'Ardhuy

I was impressed when I walked down the steps into the playground of Astor Wines in New York City not far from Washington Square Park. And after a few minutes perusing the aisles my hand alighted on this Pernand-Vergelesses rouge from the 2005 vintage. The rationale being that in a ripe year like 2005 the granite-terroir and unsunny Pernand village appellation would thrive. This offering from Domaine d'Ardhuy did not really deliver. Slow to open on the nose, it remained resolutely fixed on plum, cherry stalks, lychen and hawthorn. Overall a surprising combination from 2005. Grip, savouryness, berries and twigs on the palate. This was not what I expected. Indeed the aromas and flavours are a non sequitur in the 2005 vintage. Is this really how the wine is supposed to taste? No sign of contamination or oxidization. Scores 16-18 / 30 for a Pernand village rouge.