2012 Domaine Sylvain Cathiard Vosne-Romanée En Orveaux 1er Cru

Tasted blind at the annual "Burgfest" tasting in Beaune. The 2012 Vosne Romanée 1er Cru En Orveau was showing a bit of VA on the nose, although it merely lifts the kirsch and cassis fruit. It bit gaudy perhaps? The palate is medium-bodied with sweet, slightly oaky entry, lower acidity than its peers, generous and smooth but missing complexity and nuance on the finish. It gives easy-drinking pleasure, but unlike when I tasted this from barrel, I am less convinced that it merits long-term cellaring.

A striking, translucent wine, the 2012 Vosne-Romanée En Orveaux soars from the glass with high-toned, expressive aromatics and dark tonalities of fruit. There is more than enough density to allow the 2012 to develop gracefully for years to come. Although quite open and enjoyable today, the 2012 will certainly benefit from at least a few more years in bottle. This is an impressive showing.

Good medium red. Liqueur-like raspberry and strawberry on the nose, complemented by sexy oak spices. Sweet, creamy and tactile, displaying terrific depth to the explosive cherry and red berry flavors. This has good volume and guts to buffer its new oak. Finishes with broad, very sweet tannins and building perfume.