2010 Auxey Duresses 1er Cru

The 2010 Auxey-Duresses 1er Cru is a bit darker, stonier and more mineral than the villages. Layers of black fruit, spices and licorice wrap around the palate in this gorgeous, juicy wine. The 1er Cru is a blend of fruit from Les Duresses and Grand Champs. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2018. Romain Taupenot lost between 25-40% of his 2010 production to the poor weather, although some of his lower lying parcels were down as much as 80%. Fortunately the Grand Crus were down only 15% on average. The harvest began on September 23. Taupenot reported that the fruit required some sorting in the winery. Importers: Winebow, Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620, Imported by Scott Paul Wines, Carlton, OR; tel. (503) 852 7300; J.A.O. Wine Imports, McLean, VA; contact@jaowineimports.com

Mid cherry red. Quite rich and supple at first. Lots of polish. Extremely tangy and energetic on the finish. It will almost certainly take on flesh. (JR)

This also displays dark berry fruit but here there is more refinement and slightly more nuance as well in the form of smoked tea and leather. There is a light minerality to the more refined middle weight flavors that possess good delineation and solid depth on the linear and energetic finish. This should reward 5 to 7 years of cellar time. Allen Meadows, Burghound.com