2013 Vosne Romanee Beaumonts

Tasted blind at the Burgfest tasting in Beaune, the 2013 Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Les Beaux Monts has a rather leafy bouquet, perhaps some stem addition here, nicely defined with bay leaf and thyme. It seems to grow in stature in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, moderate acidity but it has clearly shut down towards the finish and feels static. There is a very impressive wine here, however it will need 4-5 years before it entertains the idea of drinkability. Tasted September 2016.

Healthy red-ruby color. Very ripe, inviting aromas of black raspberry, mocha and coffee. Much more plush than the Vosne villages but still with a distinctly savory character to the flavors of red berries, spices and dried flowers. This juicy, very fine-grained wine spreads out nicely on the back end, finishing with rich, broad, horizontal tannins that reach the incisors.

Dark crimson. Not quite as complex and exciting on the nose as the Pruliers. Lots of wild fruit but this seems a little diffuse and blowsy. Tannins insist on the end. (JR)