1993 Vosne Romanee Cros Parantoux
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Tasting notes
The 1993 Vosne-Romanée Cros-Parantoux 1er Cru was purchased off the list at La Gavroche in Mayfair, initially bought on release by Albert Roux at some incomprehensible small sum. I have been lucky enough to have this vintage two or three times now, since first my first encounter in January 2016. This bottle is almost exactly the same as the last, which is unsurprising. It has a very intense bouquet that is so perfumed and intoxicating that your senses are immediately seduced – predominantly red fruit, mulberry and pressed flowers, perhaps this a touch more violet than iris. The palate has a satin-like texture, mineral-driven and, perhaps, less understated than many 1993 red Burgundies are these days. The finish has a sense of piquancy and displays exquisite delineation, not to mention extraordinary length. To taste this wine once was a privilege. Twice makes me almost feel guilty…almost.
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Neal Martin
Allen Meadows, Burghound
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The 1993 Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Cros Parantoux from Henri Jayer is one of those dreamlike wines you only encounter once in a while. There is a magnificent intensity to this Pinot Noir that possesses such transparency and delineation, you do not know what to do with yourself except smile. So perfumed! Mulberry dallies with red berries, a faint scent of black truffle and iris. The palate is smooth and sensual. Before I knew its identity, I suggested it might be from Lalou Bize-Leroy. Silky to the touch, the texture is so supple that it belies that structure underneath. Then the wave of minerals wash over you on the long finish, a coda of tart red cherries lingering in the mouth. Even God did not anticipate such Pinot Noir when he invented the variety. Tasted January 2016.
About the producer

The wines of Henri Jayer (1922-2006) have mythical status in Burgundy. Coveted by many but tasted by just a precious few, they are some of the region’s rarest and most desirable – considered by some to be the pinnacle of what can be achieved with Pinot Noir.