From the area between Suchots and Grands Echezeaux, Forey’s 2005 Echezeaux displays aromas and flavors of black raspberry and roasted meat. Rich but rather somber on the palate, with black fruit and woodsy flavors (not woody – the 100% new oak isn’t noticeable) tinged with salt and brown spices, this polished, finely-structured Pinot delivers a lingering, lush, yet subdued set of flavors that will reward patience with intrigue. At the time of my visit, Regis Forey had only recently (with one exception noted below) bottled his 2005s – unfiltered, and with very low levels of sulfur. These are a profoundly-satisfying, and ageworthy group of wines, but not at all showy. Forey was not timid with extraction when it came to this vintage; on the other hand he was one of several growers who told me he had recently lightened up on the use of new wood, and one of several to employ a significant number of 500 liter (double barrique) barrels to diminish the stave surface to wine volume ratio and enhance freshness. Forey’s line-up has been significantly enhanced in recent years by rental agreements. Importer: Rosenthal Wine Merchant, Pine Plains, NY; tel. (800) 910-1990