Not much note writing lately, just some quick impressions.
'97 Rouget Vosne Romanee Beauxmonts-
This is quite good. It has the contrast between ripe and sharp that is common to the vintage. Still it offers nicely complex earthy spice and well ripened fruit. There is a trace of integrating oak that typifies this producer (and H. Jayer) that provides a smooth silky texture. Plenty of years ahead.
'00 Drouhin Laroze Clos de Beze-
This was an unpalatable combination of raw-oak, green and sweet.
'07 de Montille Vosne Romanee Malconsorts-
This was really good. The stem inclusion reminded me of a great Dujac and the concentration was excellent for the vintage. This was really delicious and spicy. One of my favorite '07s to date.
'05 Herezstyn Clos St. Denis-
Some obvious sweet oak but loads of minerally regal fruit. This will be excellent with cellaring.
That 07 Montille sounds really interesting. I’m liking 07 so far.
Interesting, Kevin, the D-L Beze 00 was really delicious 18 months ago though not of the greatest distinction. No raw oak sticking out back then.
Kevin, did the '97 Rouget seem balanced to you? I distinctly remember the higher up '97s, at Xmas 2009 or 2002 (can’t remember which Xmas when I visited I took some bottles of '97s to Xmas dinner with French friends)…ultimately striking me as “hot” and dominated by alcohol on their finishes. They were fruity and lush at first…and the French hosts were very unimpressed, for some reason. (Of course, they were in Besancon and provided us with various vins jaunes, a category I’ve never liked, so…)
Stuart,
I didn’t notice any excess alcohol but this did show a conflict between acidity and fruit that is common the vintage (IMO). The result is a bit sweet and sour.
Timely note on the de Montille, Kevin … actually ended up sharing a table with Etienne last week at a dinner in Houston with Jasmine Hirsch. We were able to taste through three of his 07s, all Volnays, and it was really interesting to hear him talk about stem inclusion. Very impressive wines.