1996 Mazoyeres Chambertin Vieilles Vignes

Revealing a dark ruby color and aromas reminiscent of gravel soaked with sweet blackberry juice with a light dusting of earth for additional complexity, this full-bodied is a compelling wine. This extremely rich, and penetrating wine has a chewy texture, and extraordinary flavors of underbrush, sauteed mushrooms, stones, and candied cherries. Its admirably long finish offers loads of ripe tannins. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2008. This wine is produced from 55 year old selection massale vines (propagated by selecting the healthiest and best producing plants in a vineyard and taking cuttings from them - as opposed to clonal selections). Because of the quirky rules and regulations that govern Burgundy, Perrot-Minot is entitled to blend both his Mazoyeres and Charmes together and call the assemblage Charmes-Chambertin, as do most Burgundians (which is why Mazoyeres is so rare). However, he told me that since they were produced from vines selected the same way, planted the same year, and were vinified identically, that they truly defined their differences in terroir. This are 1996s not to be missed! Bravo! to Christophe Perrot-Minot. Represented by Russell Herman, Berkeley Heights, NJ; tel (908) 771-9082. Various Importers, including V.O.S. Selections, NY & NJ; Hartley & Parker, CT; Vintage Wines, IL; De Gustibus Imports, WA; Esquin Imports, CA, Yankee Spirits, MA.