Vosne-Romanee Grand Crus for Michael and Peter's Birthdays (Imperial Treasure Super Peking Duck, Paragon): A very different animal from the three older wines that preceded it – this was at once a more masculine, yet lighter-bodied expression of the vineyard. Still, it was a very good wine in its own right. The nose felt a bit grumpy when compared to the exuberant flower and spice bouquets of the other wines. This was marked as much by funk, sous bois notes as it was by its sweeter scents of sappy berries and maraschino cherries ringed with some wilting florals and a gentle spiciness. It was on the palate where the wine showed its strength though. It was wonderfully integrated, and there was such a nice purity about it, with ringingly clear notes of black cherries and dark berries seamlessly woven together with spice and earth, flowers and orange peel, and a little streak of bittersweet mineral. I thought this was just a touch lighter than its flight mates – more about clarity and minerality than fruit and flowers maybe. Saying that though, there was clearly Grand Cru depth and breadth here, all accompanied by a great spine of bright, juicy acidity and a strong, almost stern structure leading into a fine finish laced with lots of spice and a long, stony tail. Very good indeed, and there is room for improvement too. It is still rather tight though, especially at the back-end. I think it may need 6-8 more years before peak. Minerally, lighter than others, but still Grand Cru weight.
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Friday night wines at Thierry's place (Wellington, New Zealand): Ruby colour, a little lighter than the Martinborough Vineyards, quite primary looking. A gorgeous bouquet of dark florals, red fruits, some funk and Asian spice. In the mouth, quite primary (we're guessing 2007 or 2009 red Burgundy). This wine is just beautifully balanced and poised, with real Grand Cru depth and power. The flavours are of lovely bright red fruits and earth, with gorgeous acid balance and minerality on the finish. Drinking well now, but no hurry. Quite a rare wine I think (thanks, Mike).
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Dark red. Very musty and funky nose. This really took some time to blow off. With time, this developed a really elegant nose with slight pepper and spice. On the palate, it was round, extremely elegant, with cherries and stewed strawberries. It was a real contrast to the Joseph Roty Charmes VV 04. This is a wine in its ideal drinking window. It will not have the legs to last a long distance, but it is perfectly enjoyable now.
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10/16/2015 - EhrlichDY Likes this wine: 94 Points
Dinner with Friends at Equinox (Leflaive, Lignier Bonnes Mares, Taittinger CdC and more) (Equinox Restaurant, Washington DC): Popped and poured. This was great from the get go. Seductive perfume filled with savory spices and a hint of fruit. Similar flavors follow through on the palate. Grand Cru ethereal quality where the density and concentration of flavor is huge without the wine feeling big. This wine has entered its prime drinking window but has at least 10 years in the tank.
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9/3/2014 - Paul S wrote: 93 Points
Vosne-Romanee Grand Crus for Michael and Peter's Birthdays (Imperial Treasure Super Peking Duck, Paragon): A very different animal from the three older wines that preceded it – this was at once a more masculine, yet lighter-bodied expression of the vineyard. Still, it was a very good wine in its own right. The nose felt a bit grumpy when compared to the exuberant flower and spice bouquets of the other wines. This was marked as much by funk, sous bois notes as it was by its sweeter scents of sappy berries and maraschino cherries ringed with some wilting florals and a gentle spiciness. It was on the palate where the wine showed its strength though. It was wonderfully integrated, and there was such a nice purity about it, with ringingly clear notes of black cherries and dark berries seamlessly woven together with spice and earth, flowers and orange peel, and a little streak of bittersweet mineral. I thought this was just a touch lighter than its flight mates – more about clarity and minerality than fruit and flowers maybe. Saying that though, there was clearly Grand Cru depth and breadth here, all accompanied by a great spine of bright, juicy acidity and a strong, almost stern structure leading into a fine finish laced with lots of spice and a long, stony tail. Very good indeed, and there is room for improvement too. It is still rather tight though, especially at the back-end. I think it may need 6-8 more years before peak. Minerally, lighter than others, but still Grand Cru weight.
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5/25/2014 - HowardNZ Likes this wine: 94 Points
Friday night wines at Thierry's place (Wellington, New Zealand): Ruby colour, a little lighter than the Martinborough Vineyards, quite primary looking. A gorgeous bouquet of dark florals, red fruits, some funk and Asian spice. In the mouth, quite primary (we're guessing 2007 or 2009 red Burgundy). This wine is just beautifully balanced and poised, with real Grand Cru depth and power. The flavours are of lovely bright red fruits and earth, with gorgeous acid balance and minerality on the finish. Drinking well now, but no hurry. Quite a rare wine I think (thanks, Mike).
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3/5/2014 - justburg wrote: 89 Points
Dark red. Very musty and funky nose. This really took some time to blow off. With time, this developed a really elegant nose with slight pepper and spice. On the palate, it was round, extremely elegant, with cherries and stewed strawberries. It was a real contrast to the Joseph Roty Charmes VV 04. This is a wine in its ideal drinking window. It will not have the legs to last a long distance, but it is perfectly enjoyable now.
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