2000 Charmes Chambertin

The 2000 Charmes-Chambertin boasts a violet-spice, and black cherry-scented nose. This dense, syrupy wine is medium to full-bodied and layered with powerful chocolate-covered black cherries. Its magnificent personality is luxuriant, well-structured, and exceedingly long. Projected maturity: 2007-2018. No offense to Peter Weygandt, this estate’s importer, but can anyone think of an easier job than having to sell Bernard Dugat’s wines? For the past decade, this 7.5 hectare (18.53 acre) domaine has consistently produced exceptional wines, a testimony to the relentless pursuit of quality exhibited by Dugat, his wife, and children. “Yes, it’s true that we live in the vineyards, working from morning to night, but the primary reasons we don’t have the same problems as many others in Burgundy is that we concentrate on having low yields and are fortunate enough to have old vines,” sais Bernard Dugat. Importer: Weygandt-Metzler, Peter Weygandt, Unionville, PA; tel. (610) 486-0800

Bright ruby-red. Knockout, superripe nose combines black fruits, minerals, game, menthol and chocolatey torrefaction. Wonderfully sweet, chewy and rich, with a firm mineral spine throwing the dark fruit and mineral flavors into relief. This silky wine seems every bit as dense as the '99 version. Finishes with extremely suave tannins and terrific length. "This will drink well early and will age well," says Dugat.