2005 Puligny-Montrachet Champ Gain 1er Cru

Gerard Boudot describes 2005 as "ripe but not overripe, and showing good precision of terroir.It was important not to pick too late," he continued."We were afraid at the beginning that 2005 would be like 1989, but the wines have turned out to be better-balanced, with good acid structure.Actually, the two vintages had very similar numbers at the beginning but we started with a bit more malic acidity in 2005, though still in the average range."Alcohol levels were in the high 12.8% to 13.5% range, while average yields for the domain were 43 hectoliters per hectare, or down about 15% from those of 2004.Boudot believes that the 2005s have the solidity and structure for long aging, but he also feels that they will be drinkable young "for their fruit and flowers."Those who have had problems with premature oxidation in Sauzet wines from the '90s (especially '96, although Boudot noted that the '95 Bienvenue Batard was his first "problem wine") will be happy to know that Boudot is now bottling with somewhat higher levels of free and total sulfur.(Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL)