2005 Domaine Ponsot Clos de la Roche Vieilles Vignes: Grand Cru Legnd

Few wines define Grand Cru Burgundy like 2005 Domaine Ponsot Clos de la Roche Vieilles Vignes.

This is a legendary bottling from one of the region’s most historic estates—and one of the highest-rated Clos de la Roche wines ever released.

“Perhaps the most powerful wines in Burgundy…it is amazing how phenomenal Ponsot’s wines can be.”
— Robert Parker

In the modern era of Burgundy, the 2005 vintage sits among the greats: long-lived, structured, and remarkably pure. For collectors who value ageworthy Pinot Noir with density, detail, and grand cru pedigree, this bottling is a benchmark.

Why the 2005 Clos de la Roche VV Is a Benchmark

Shortly after release, Allen Meadows (Burghound) awarded it 99 points, a near-unheard-of score from a critic famous for holding the line on perfect ratings. For context, Meadows has reviewed over 100,000+ wines and awarded just two perfect 100s, one being the mythical 1945 Romanée-Conti, which later sold for $585,000 at auction.

The 2005 Ponsot Clos de la Roche VV stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Burgundy’s elite.

About Domaine Ponsot 

Since 1872 Domaine Ponsot remains one of the most revered domaines in Burgundy. The estate is known for:

• Old vines (many 60–70+ years old)

• Native yeast fermentation

• Neutral oak only (no flashy wood signatures)

• Zero fining or filtration

• Minimal intervention, maximum terroir expression

This philosophy allows Clos de la Roche - a naturally muscular vineyard - to show power, purity, tension, and remarkable longevity.

Where the 2005 Stands Today

After nearly two decades of quiet evolution, the 2005 is now entering the beginning of its drinking window:

• Intensely structured but increasingly open

• Dense black cherry and cassis

• Rose petal, dried violet, and spice

• Earth, forest floor, crushed stone, and mineral tension

• A long, balanced, deeply layered finish

This is a wine built for the long run and still youthful today, with decades of life ahead.

Tasting Notes — 99 Points, Burghound

“All the superb and dramatic complexity that this displayed from barrel has made it into bottle as an extremely ripe and fantastically broad nose soars from the glass… dense, pure, rich, and powerful flavors… opulent, sweet, and dripping with extract and sap…”

“…so long it doesn't seem possible. A ‘wow’ wine that makes you shake your head in sheer amazement… buy and forget, as it will need at least 15 years to shed its considerable tannins and will see 50 years without difficulty.”

This is, quite literally, one of the most monumental expressions of Pinot Noir produced in the last 25 years.

When to Drink

Drink now through 2060+.
At nearly 20 years of age, the 2005 is finally showing its complexity but remains incredibly youthful.

🍷 Want to try a bottle? Don't miss our pristine selection — available here!

FAQs

What makes the 2005 Domaine Ponsot Clos de la Roche so special?
It’s one of the highest-rated Clos de la Roche bottlings ever, receiving 99 points from Burghound and produced from old vines with a pure, minimal-intervention winemaking approach.

Is the 2005 Ponsot Clos de la Roche ready to drink?
Yes, it’s entering its drinking window, offering deep complexity while promising decades of evolution.

How long will this wine age?
With its structure and concentration, it can easily age 40–50 more years.

What does it taste like?
Expect black cherry, cassis, spice, rose petal, earth, and an intense mineral backbone with a long, powerful finish.

Is Domaine Ponsot a top Burgundy producer?
Yes—founded in 1872, it's one of Burgundy’s most respected domaines and a benchmark for terroir-driven Grand Cru wines.