2016 La Grande Rue
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Tasting notes
The 2016 La Grande Rue Grand Cru has a very pure, almost pastille-like bouquet with copious red cherry fruit mixed with crushed strawberry and a little cassis. La Grande Rue? [Post script: Bingo!] The palate is very pretty with fine-grain tannin. This is surfeit with freshness and vitality, although it does not quite have the depth and structure of other Grand Crus from the appellation. It does fan out towards the finish. The persistence, and the saline aftertaste are very appealing. Excellent. Tasted blind at the 2016 Burgfest tasting.
Critic scores
The Wine Advocate
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Cask sample. An unusal aroma that combines red fruit, vanilla spice and crushed herbs. Light, very fine tannins, a slim but not austere style which hides unexpected persistence. A clear family likeness with the Hautes-Côtes but with much more intensity at the core. Has an almost alpine character in its fresh minerality combined with the red fruits. Lots of refined pleasure but not a blockbuster. (JH)
The 2016 La Grande Rue Grand Cru was not affected by the frost, thankfully. This is (again) attested by the aromatics that convey a sense of joie de vivre and energy. Does that come from the relief of being spared? It offers wonderful red cherries, blood orange and yuzu scents combing with minerals. The palate is medium-bodied with filigree tannin, impressive depth and grip in the mouth. Maybe this year it does not quite convey the same aristocratic personality as the Grands Echézeaux but there is real muscle and depth on the finish. Give this four or five years in barrel at least.
About the producer
Today run by the fourth-generation Nicole Lamarche, this property (previously known as Domaine François Lamarche) is firmly among the best in Burgundy. The Vosne-Romanée estate is most famous for its monopole Grand Cru La Grande Rue.