2005 Sylvain Cathiard Romanee Saint Vivant Grand Cru 1x750ml

Vinous 91-95

Good bright, deep red. Complex, deeply pitched nose offers black raspberry, coffee and bitter chocolate. Fat, sweet and creamy, with superb density, but not currently showing the verve or clarity of the Malconsorts. Finishes with lovely length and suave tannins, but it’s not at all clear today that this is better than the Malconsorts. [Stephen Tanzer, 03/01/2007]

Robert Parker 93-94

The Cathiard 2005 Romanee-St.-Vivant evinces aromas and flavors of ripe cassis and black raspberry, tinged with pepper, clove, star anise, iris, and citrus rind. Lush and enveloping on the palate, with a flattering, creamy texture, this trades a bit of the clarity that other wines displayed here today for sheer richness and ripeness of finish. But the length certainly bespeaks grand cru. Also recommended: 2005 Bourgogne ($39.00;85). A Becky Wassserman Selection (various importers), Le Serbet, Beaune; fax 011-33-3-80-24-29-70 [01/06/2007]