Christmas Day '05 Burgundies

I have had some success with red Burgundies from the 2005 vintage, so I bought a slew of them for Christmas dinner in the C$25-35 range. A pretty good line up, and all paired nicely with the meal. However, there was no consensus tonight, with each taster finding their own favourite.

The 2005 Mongeard-Mugneret Hautes Côtes de Nuits was light cherry red in the glass, with a simple oaky and earthy nose, later showing some grenadine, mushroom and floral aromas. On the palate it was very tart with ample tannins - quite awkward at first, but softeneing over the eveing. Not bad, but this classically styled Burgundy could probably benefit from some time in the cellar. Cam's favourite, but down the list for the rest of us. I might pick up another bottle and sock it away for a few years.
cork. 12.5% alcohol
Score: 16/20
Price: C$27.25 (SAQ)

The 2005 Joseph Drouhin Givry recently received a glowing review here, and did not disappoint tonight. A musty, earty nose, but the velvety palate and nice finish give this a slightly better score than last time (it was paired with food this time). If not everyone's favourite, it was close, and at this price a great value.
cork. 13% alcohol
Score: 16.5/20
Price: C$25.25 (SAQ)

The 2005 Joseph Drouhin Pernand-Vergelesses was purchased to compare to the Givry above, and the added $ did not make a difference. Darker hued than the Givry, it had an interesting minerally and animally nose, with leather, truffle, nuts, and pepper, and a "hot" minty presence. Spicy, with crisp acidity and nice mineral focus on the palate, it was once again a touch hot, harsh. It may soften with some bottle age, but I am just not sure. Nobody's favourite.
cork. 13% alcohol
Score: 16.5/20
Price: C$34.25 (SAQ)

The 2005 Doudet Naudin Mercurey "Chateau Beau" was perhaps the most polarizing of the evening. Darker cherry red, with a funky barnyard nose, truffles, brie cheese, wet stones, fur, and a minerally/flintiness. Nice berry fruit on the palate, velvety tannins and good acidity, this was a classy, elegant, well-balanced Burgundy. A bit thin, short finish, drink now or over the next few years.
cork. 13% alcohol
Score: 17.5/20
Price: C$32.75 (SAQ)

I am still enjoying the accessibility of the "lesser" Burgs from the 2005 vintage, but it was pretty hard to be "wowed" by these wines after last week's stunning Burgundies. However, these price points were much more palatable! For my part, I would highly recommend the humble Givry (given the price) or the Mercurey, but that Mongeard-Mugneret seems to have potential that the others do not. I would also note that the Mercurey was an ethereal burg experience, a wine to ponder, and more like last week's Cote d'Or wines.