2009 Vosne Romanee Aux Reas

The 2009 Vosne-Romanee Aux Reas blossoms on the palate with deep layers of fruit. This burnished, textured Vosne impresses for its warmth and open, engaging personality. Mineral notes emerge on the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; tel. (205) 980-8802

(this and the following 2009s were bottled in July of 2011): Full deep red. High-toned aromas of cherry liqueur and flowers. Creamy-sweet and impressively thick, but the ripe maraschino cherry flavor is energized by subtle underlying stony character. This impressively rich village displays substantial, slightly granular tannins that give the finish a somewhat austere impression--not a bad thing in 2009. "The wine's thickness became length with a long time in barrel," noted Thibault Liger-Belair.

Much bluer than the David Clark Vosne served alongside. Pretty wild and complex on the nose. Even a bit raw at the moment though no-one could fault the intent. Still pretty embryonic. But interesting enough to pursue..? Not too sweet. (JR)