2001 Gevrey Chambertin Coeur du Roi Vieilles Vignes

Produced from two old vine parcels (50 and 93-years old, respectively), the dark ruby-colored 2001 Gevrey-Chambertin Coeur de Roy has a black cherry, mocha, and floral-scented nose. Its explosive, medium to full-bodied personality is crammed with boldly flavored black fruits. This highly-detailed, masculine, foursquare offering is muscular, and reveals a stunningly long finish. A hugely concentrated wine, it will require cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2014+. 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

More old vines in this proprietary cuvée, between 60 and 92 years old. Amazingly deep colour and intense flavours of black fruits. Lively, concentrated black cherry. Marked acidity. Very bumptious, bold wine with round tannins on the finish. (Cask sample). (JR)

(from vines ranging in age from 50 to 92 years) Ruby-red. Superripe aromas of small wild fruits and roasted meat. Sweet and lush in the mouth, with extremely primary flavors of black fruits and licorice. Very Gevrey in character. Finishes with distinctly chewy but very ripe tannins (wood tannins?) that should round out more during the wine's last couple of months in barrel.