2011 Vosne Romanee

Dark red stone fruits, smoke, menthol, licorice and spices all flesh out in Liger-Belair's 2011 Vosne-Romanée. Sweet, inviting and layered, the 2011 is simply impossible to resist. Although the 2011 is quite soft and open, it nevertheless possesses lovely underlying energy. The 2011 has really come together over the last year.

The 2011 Vosne-Romanee Village has a delightful fresh lively bouquet with crisp strawberry and Morello scents. The palate is medium-bodied, the tannins a little firmer than I anticipated for a Village Cru, but it is adorned with a satisfying, unpretentious, light but poised finish. Fine. Drink 2014-2017. I have been following Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair since the beginning of their “second coming” in 2001/2002, when Louis-Michel began taking back control of his propitiously located vineyards. Crowned by the monopole of La Romanee, they already had a head start, a scattering of parcels that instantly places the domaine in the first division. But that is not enough on its own. Over the last decade, the wines have become astonishingly refined and let us be frank, with prices to match. During the round of London tastings in January this year I refrained from taking any notes since Burgundy was not my ‘beat’. However, I did make an exception here, in part because of the sheer quality of the wines and also because it has become part of my January ritual. The original intention was to accommodate these notes on “Wine-Journal”, but I publish them here as part of my 2011 report for “The Wine Advocate”. Importers: Grand Cru Selections, New York, NY; tel. (212) 974-2500; and in the UK through Justerini & Brooks; tel. 0081339945935

Pale ruby. Very subtle and broad. Some warmth here. Smells quite evolved even if the palate is very delicate and fresh. Very 2011-like in fact. Some light tannins on the finish. (JR)