The 2012 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru comes from the middle of the vineyard in the titular lieu-dit “Le Clos de la Roche”. It is more reticent on the nose compared to the Echezeaux, though with aeration one can discern attractive marine scents, even a touch of seaweed. The palate is medium-bodied with lithe and supple tannins. At the moment there is still some new oak to be integrated, although it demonstrates fine weight and persistency towards the finish. Perhaps I might just prefer the joie-de-vivre that is exuded by the Echezeaux at the moment, nevertheless, this remains a “serious” grand cru. Just 4 barrels produced. ||Darkness had descended upon Burgundy by the time I set off from Domaine de la Pousse d’Or in Volnay up to the small village of Chevanne up in the Hautes Cotes hills. Having never visited David Duband’s winery, I was worried about losing my directions, but having enjoyed his wines since I first encountered them in London a decade ago, I was eager to reacquaint myself with them. David’s father worked for the Cave-Cooperative des Hautes-Cotes. It was here that a connection was made with a Parisian lawyer Francois Feuillet who had bought a holding in Aux Thorey, but insisted upon his wine being made at a domaine, not the co-op. At that time, David was in the middle of military service, but promptly left and made his debut 1991. Feuillet went on to acquire the holdings of feted Domaine Truchot-Martin in Morey-Saint-Denis and so nowadays the enlarged portfolio is done on an equal metayage basis, David making the wine and then dividing the production that can be sold under his own name, or that of Feuillet. (David himself indicated which would be sold under his own name and those that will be shared.) David has farmed his vines organically since 2006 and after experimenting with de-stemming, leaves a tiny stem (pedicelles) on the fruit from his grand crus. When I was more regularly tasting David’s wines a few years ago, I found them to be competent but perhaps just trying a little too earnestly, as if desperate to make a positive impressive. There is nothing wrong with that, but the modern sheen tended to render them a little formulaic. Returning to David’s 2012, it is clear that he has changed his approach. The oak was more judiciously used than in the past, and the classic style of wines marries well with someone who is clearly a talented winemaker. Some of the hardcore Truchot acolytes out there are still dwelling the loss of their beloved domaine, but maybe they should take a look at these wines. I suspect they will serve to cheer them up. David’s 2012 samples had been taken from barrel. He used some whole cluster fruit, for example, 60% for his premier crus. eRobertParker.com.December, 2013
Score: 91-93/100Neal Martin
