1996 Vosne Romanee Les Brulees

Revealing a medium-to-dark ruby color and aromas reminiscent of stones and spices drenched in raspberry juice, this wine has superb density on the palate as well as a silky texture and medium-to-full body. This complex, gorgeously ripe, and harmonious wine is filled with cherries, blueberries, earth tones, Asian spices, and a dash of freshly cracked pepper. Anticipated maturity: 1999-2007. Philippe Engel, the fun-loving and highly-talented director of this estate, crafted superb 1996s, but what else is new? This estate can be consistently depended upon to produce first-rate wine. When I visited Engel at the end of January he had recently bottled the Vosne-Romanee and had performed the final racking on the Vosne-Romanee Les Brulees. A Peter Vezan Selection (Paris Fax # 011-33-1-42-65-42-93).