I am still trying to finish up some of my notes from my early December trip to Hawaii. This is the last of the Burgs we drank there. While all were young, each one was fantastic in its own way.
Comte de Vogue Musigny Vieilles Vignes 2003:
The color was not as dark as I thought it would be. The tell-tale vintage aromatics were there immediately, but there was certainly nothing alarming either. Roses, plum jam, spices, black cherry compote and clove seemed to jump out first. Perhaps there was a little funk at first, but I felt like that blew off after fifteen minutes or so. Definitely ripe, but not overdone. This has to be one of the finest examples of a wine from this vintage I have had yet. Clearly superior in every way to the Bonnes-Mares I had earlier in the year. Powerful, rich flavors dominate- think fruit, but also think nuanced spices, sap, structure defined by firm tannins and loads of mature, mouth-coating flavors. If I haven’t made myself clear: this is a wonderfully exotic, fascinating wine. 97 points
Bouchard Pere & Fils Le Corton 2005:
Loaded with smoke, cedar, earth, textured fruit flavors (black fruits mostly) and bramble. Dense, and packed with both delicate and powerful flavors- fruits surrounded by subtle bits of earth, spice and sap. Showy right now, which is a little surprising, but also very promising. A really enjoyable wine. 92+ points
Domaine de la Romanee Conti Vosne-Romanee 1er Cuvee Duvault-Blochet 2006:
Beautiful color and a highly expressive nose of maraschino cherry, random black fruits, spices and iodine. Intense and loaded with structure built on tannins, this wine was a dictator right out of the gate. Exotic flavors sure, but also loaded with familiar Pinot flavors as well- examples: fresh strawberries enhanced by orange blossoms and a sprig of apricot, Salumi with a dollop of mocha, etc. Really a pleasure to drink despite the high tariff at the restaurant we purchased it. Would love to visit this again in five years! 92 points