4 | Wine | 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

"A beguiling bouquet redolent of licorice, smoke, spice and graphite leads to expressive fruit as the 2010 Puligny-Montrachet opens up in the glass. The fruit is a bit richer, deeper and more complex than in the Chassagne villages, with layers of yellow peach and nectarine that are woven into the enveloping finish."

"Bright, pale yellow. Ripe aroma of crystallized lemon peel lifted by high notes of lavender and violet. Round, ripe and rich, with a fine-grained texture to the flavors of citrus fruit, white peach and flowers. A very suave, silky village wine with good lift and verve. Nothing exotic or nutty about this Meursault, which is from estate fruit. Finishes with good chewy extract."

"Ripe fresh apricot and marzipan on the nose, along with a mineral component. Juicy, spicy and minerally; more taut and less fat than the basic village offering. Showing its oak but finishes with good cut and grip." -Stephen Tanzer

"The 2010 Meursault is an attractive village wine with lovely character and personality. The broad-shouldered style of the vintage comes through in the bold, rich flavors and creamy finish. This is a tasty, inviting offering from Olivier Leflaive. It is best enjoyed over the next few years."

"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.