Wine List

Tasting note: Here the wood is more moderate if by no means invisible as it sets off the overtly spicy and fresh nose that mixes both red and dark berry fruit aromas that display subtle menthol nuances. There is good punch to the supple and fleshy medium weight flavors that evidence plenty of minerality, all wrapped in a solidly persistent and well-layered finale. This should reward 10 to 12 years of cellar time.
 

Tasting note: There is enough wood spice present to remark upon though not so much as to mask the pretty and airy combination of various red berry aromas that are sprinkled with earth and floral nuances. I like the refinement of the round, supple and attractively textured middle weight flavors that are shaped by firm but well-integrated tannins on the solidly persistent and well-balanced finale. In a word, lovely.

Tasting note: A tight and while not completely closed, it would be fair to describe as the nose of subtly layered and spicy dark currant aromas as highly restrained. By contrast, there is fine vibrancy and freshness to the silky and focused middle weight flavors that are shaped by fine grained if distinctly firm tannins, all wrapped in a wonderfully intense, mouth coating, impressively persistent and austere finish. This may be a Clos St. Denis of finesse but it doesn't lack for power or seriousness.

91-93 Burghound 

Tasting note: A toasty nose features notes of menthol, spiced tea, red currant and a hint of cherry liqueur. The velvety, rich and seductively textured medium weight flavors possess the usual muscularity of a fine Les Baudes, all wrapped in a robust and even more structured finale that is long, balanced and very serious. I would not advise buying this high-quality effort without the express intention to allow it at least 6 to 8 years first.

Tasting note: A much more floral-inflected nose is equally fresh and ripe with a broader range of spice elements adding breadth to the pretty red and blue pinot fruit aromas that are trimmed in noticeable if not invasive wood. The caressing and wonderfully vibrant medium-bodied flavors possess better mid-palate density before concluding in a lingering, balanced and much more complex finale. I like the focused drive of the finish; indeed this could aptly be described as a wine that delivers power without weight. I would further note that the 2017 is a relatively elegant example and, like the La Forge, a wine that could be approached on the earlier side, which is to say after 7 to 8 years.