1 | Wine | Red, Cote de Beaune, 86 to 90

"With a somewhat fresher and very red pinot-infused nose that is followed by detailed, intense and firm medium-bodied flavors that possess good energy and punch on the mouth coating and somewhat linear finish. I like this as it has good development potential as well as a bit more mid-palate flesh though it is not a classic young Beaune as the mouth feel is somewhat stern."
Reviewed by: Allan Meadows

"Adark, powerful wine laced with dark fruit, licorice, spices, earthiness and a vein of oak. Some elements of rusticity peek through, but this remains a compelling, intense wine with plenty of potential to improve in bottle." 88-90 pts.

"Reticent nose hints at redcurrant, cherry, smoke, menthol and mocha. Juicy, fine-grained and concentrated; in an essentially tender style but with very good definition and lift. Lovely perfume and energy for 2009. Really resounds on the back end, with fine tannins dusting the entire palate." 90-93 pts, reviewed by Stephen Tanzer.

"The 2009 Pommard Clos de la Commaraine is a powerful, dark wine with an incisive personality. It shows plenty of minerality and structure at first, then turns more delicate. Crushed flowers, mint and red berries add complexity on the finish." 88-90 pts.

"The 2009 Beaune Clos des Couchereaux is impressive. Silky tannins frame a radiant, expressive core of fruit. This is a beautiful, refined Beaune that should drink well right out of the gate. Clean mineral notes frame the gorgeous finish, where floral notes add lift and freshness." 90-92 pts.

"Redcurrant, cherry and ripe herbs on the nose, complicated by subtle soil tones. Sweet, silky, pliant and fairly full; this really spreads out to coat the plate. A very horizontal style of wine, and nicely filled in from the start. Finishes broad, ripe and classically dry, with very good persistence and a medicinal reserve." 90-93 pts, reviewed by Stephen Tanzer.

"Rich, with the ripe black cherry and blueberry flavors accented by spice. There's a firm underlying structure here, setting this up for a good future. Features a lingering cherry-and-mineral aftertaste."

"The 2009 Beaune Clos des Ursules is another terrific effort. Nothing in particular stands out, just the wine’s fabulous overall balance. A seamless, beautifully integrated red, the 2009 Clos des Ursules flows across the palate with layers of textured fruit. Silky tannins frame an exceptionally elegant and polished finish." 90-92 pts.