Burgundy 2005 Vintage As with Bordeaux, the 2005 vintage for Burgundy is exceptional for both red and whites. In 2005 weather conditions were ideal, plenty of sun to ripen the grapes to ideal conditions and a spatter of rain just when it was required. Wines for top producers are in very high demand and short supply.

Robert Chevillon is regarded as one of the top producers at present in Burgundy. Famed for his Nuits St Georges variety, his wines are immensely rich and intense. The Bourgogne Rouge is ready for drinking immediately. Vineyards in Nuits St Georges produce some of the finest red wines in Burgundy using the Pinot Noir grape. This Premier Cru wine can be drunk now or will age nicely over the next few years.

General tasting notes: Medium to high acidity, light tannins, red berry fruit with a nutty finish.

Marc Morey, is a leading estate in Chassagne Montrachet producing very elegant stylish wines. His Bourgogne Blanc is highly recommended, it is ready for drinking immediately. Vineyards in Puligny- Montrachet produce some of the finest white wines in Burgundy using the Chardonnay grape. This Premier Cru wine can be drunk now or will age nicely over the next few years.

General tasting notes: Medium acidity, Peach fruit, with a spicy finish.

Robert Groffier, produces wines that rank with the greatest in Burgundy. Known for his great Chambolle Musigny's, his Bourgogne is a very good representation of his estate. His wines are not fined or filtered. His basic Bourgogne wine would outshine many other wines from Burgundy, it is ready for immediate consumption.

General tasting notes: Medium to high acidity, light tannins, red berry fruit with a nutty finish.

Domaine Pinson, This is a very traditional and classical style of Chablis, which comes highly recommended. Chablis is made from the white Chardonnay grape. The Pinson Chablis is ready for immediate consumption, the Premier and Grand Cru wines can be drunk now or will improve with age over the next few years.

General tasting notes: Medium to high acidity, green apple fruit with a nutty finish.

Roblet-Monnet, is a relatively new producer and over the last few years is becoming recognised by the major critics. He represents very good value compared to the other producers in this list.

General tasting notes: Medium to high acidity, light tannins, red berry fruit with a nutty finish.

Burgundy wine classifications:

• Grand Cru: One of the very few elite vineyards in a region. These vineyards have the greatest potential of all for long-lasting, expressive, complex wines. Chardonnay/Pinor Noir are the main grapes used for these white/red wines

• Premier Cru: The second class of Burgundy vineyard (below Grand Cru). These vineyards have more potential to produce great wine than ordinary village-level sites do. Chardonnay/Pinor Noir are the main grapes used for these white/red wines

• Bourgogne Blanc/Rouge: Wine made from grapes grown in village-level sites. Chardonnay/Pinor Noir are the main grapes used for these white/red wines