Tasting Notes
Vinous 91
Sexy, complex nose of raspberry, truffle, smoked meat and cinders, with a note of cherry liqueur emerging with air. Juicy, slightly tart and penetrating; more savory than sweet but with good intensity. Aeration brought intriguing rose petal lift and a note of red cherry. In a distinctly malic, steely style, this wine will not be for everyone but I enjoy its energy and spine. And it may yet go on for another decade or more; but while its tannins and acids may soften, it is unlikely to expand. Marie-Christine Mugneret noted that this was a difficult vintage for her, as she was suffering with leg and back problems (she eventually had back surgery in November) and Marie-Andrée was pregnant. And she told me that this wine "really tightened up" in barrel during the cold winter following the harvest. (13.1% alcohol; harvested on September 21)
Anticipated maturity: 2019-2033
Robert Parker 92
This medium-to-dark ruby-colored wine is impressive with an intensely spicy nose of black cherry syrup laced with mocha. This medium-to-full-bodied, fat, broad, expressive, and thickly-textured offering is jam-packed with candied cherries, blackberries, flower blossoms, earth, and minerals. Its huge depth of fruit, density, and structure are all immensely impressive. Projected maturity: 2004-2010. Bravo! to the three ladies of these two estates! A Peter Vezan Selection (Paris Fax # 011-33-1-42-65-42-93).
Anticipated maturity: 2004-2010