1991 Domaine Mongeard-Mugneret Echézeaux Vieilles Vignes Grand Cru

The 1991 Echezeaux-Vieilles Vignes exhibits toasty new oak, as well as gobs of rich blackcurrants and black-cherries. There is a wonderful purity and persuasive mid-palate to this supple yet rich, authoritatively-flavored wine that displays no hard edges. One of the finest Echezeauxs of the vintage, it can be drunk now and over the next 10-12 years. One of my favorite producers, Mongeard-Mugneret has rebounded strongly in 1991 with far superior wines than those he made in 1989 and 1990. Why? Not only did nature keep yields under 30 hectoliters per hectare (less than 2 tons per acre), but in 1991 Mongeard's son persuaded his father to return to the traditional method of bottling, meaning, no fining or filtration. The results are wines with more expansive, rich mid-palates and that enticing, seductive, sweet burgundy perfume that has not been obliterated by excessive fining or filtration. Importer: Vineyard Brands (Robert Haas), Chester, VT.