2001 Domaine Vincent Girardin Puligny-Montrachet Les Pucelles 1er Cru

Described by Vincent Girardin as "the most feline of all the Pulignys," his 2001 Puligny-Montrachet Les Pucelles is, in my estimation, the finest wine he produced in 2001 and one of the stars of the vintage. Its sumptuous aromatics reveal flowers, stones, minerals, and spices. On the palate, it displays gorgeous breadth, width, concentration, depth, and a luscious, sexy, satin-textured mouth-feel. The wine coats the taster's palate with poached pears, flowers, minerals, and spices, whose effect linger in its long, supple, sensual finish. Projected maturity: now-2011. Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; tel. (205) 980-8802 Note: Vincent Girardin also bottles some of these same wines under the Baron de la Charriere label, imported by Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565.