Monday, May 4, 2020 - Two days later from memory. As part of a recent auction coup, I ended up with a case of this and another H-L wine reviewed several days ago. Won't repeat myself other than to say I'm equally pleased with each of them. Since this is from memory it will be short, which I think might be an apt description in general.
A palish gold color, it seemed less open and ripe than the Morgeot but made up for it in its sleek and attractive racy and more mineral profile. As a result and I'm splitting hairs, I got the sense the Tete du Clos would take more time and would ultimately produce a more elegant and nuanced wine. I'd love to know it was a little higher up the slope or what part of the terroir was most responsible for the subtle but meaningful differences. Don't get me wrong, I found it lipsmackingly good right now but part of that is my high tolerance for acid.
Being your faithful correspondent, after posting the note I checked the importer's very helpful website. The tech sheets appear to give me all I need to confirm my hypotheses, though of course I could be completely misinterpreting. The Morgeot vines are 15 years old and the Tete are 68. Tete planted about 10 meters higher up on more stony limestone. Of course, I wish I had the chance to do more side-by-side comparisons of this nature. It's really a great way to learn, especially when all the data about the wines are so readily accessible. Wouldn't it be more fun at the winery? Maybe next year...
Comment posted by KillerJones:
5/6/2020 7:34:00 PM - I learn so much from your reviews, you know? Interesting the difference 10m makes, right...
J. Drouhin used to used the grapes from this vineyard - so this says a lot! I mean, anything he touches is outstanding.
Keep up the terrific writing & research.
Comment posted by bevetroppo:
5/7/2020 5:35:00 AM - kJ-you are a veritable fount of knowledge yourself and pepper your comments with the most interesting insights. My notes are not generally complete without them.