2010 Vosne Romanee

The domaine’s 2010 Vosne-Romanee is intensely spiced and deep, despite its mid-weight structure. A few angular contours still need time to soften. If the 2010 finds its customary level of finesse it might merit a higher score. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025. I was blown away by the wines I tasted with Etienne Grivot on what turned out to be one of the most thrilling visits of my fall trip. Readers should do whatever they can to latch onto a few bottles of these exquisite Burgundies. Grivot talked about a roller coaster vintage which was saved by 3-4 days of good weather. The estate lost fruit from 3,000 plants and yields were down 40% across the board because of the poor weather during the flowering. The most dramatic proof of the loss in production was seeing some of rooms in the cellar with far fewer barrels than is the norm. The domaine’s 2009s are equally exciting. I will have notes on those wines in the April issue. Importer: Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines, Napa CA; tel. (707) 299-2600

Light ruby. Just a little hint of reduction but very charming fruit too. Prune juice and raciness. (JR)

Medium bright red. Slightly reduced aromas of red and darker cherry and smoky minerality. Juicy and on the lean side, with a hint of leathery reduction currently blocking the wine's fruit. Could use more flesh and sweetness. This blend of parcels is quite taut today and needs time to knit.