2002 Meursault Clos de la Barre

(tasted from barrel, on its finings; this was scheduled to have been bottled in July) Rich and ripe but vibrant aromas of apricot, lemon, grapefruit and honey ("there's a fine line between ripe and surmuri in 2002," notes Thibodaux Sweet, broad and rich, with lovely harmonious acidity framing the citrus fruit flavors. The vanillin oak turns toward hazelnut on the persistent, ripe finish.

Honeyed minerals are drenched with an herbal liqueur in the fabulous aromatics of the 2002 Meursault Clos de La Barre. This broad, ample, sexy wine is hugely decadent. Medium-bodied, thick, and fleshy, it is a deep, intensely flavored, spicy effort. One of the top Clos de La Barres I have tasted, it should be enjoyed over the next 6-7 years. Importers: Various including Classic Wine Imports, Boston, MA; tel. (617) 731-6644, and Beaune Imports.

Honeyed minerals are drenched with an herbal liqueur in the fabulous aromatics of the 2002 Meursault Clos de La Barre. This broad, ample, sexy wine is hugely decadent. Medium-bodied, thick, and fleshy, it is a deep, intensely flavored, spicy effort. One of the top Clos de La Barres I have tasted, it should be enjoyed over the next 6-7 years. Feb 2004, www.robertparker.com