1993 Vosne Romanee Les Suchots

Arnoux's top two cuvees should be no surprise to his fans. This estate has always made exquisite Vosne-Romanee Les Suchots, and this vineyard (40-70-year old vines) has once again turned in a DRC-look-alike performance. From its huge nose of Asian spices, smoke, sweet berry fruit, and toast, to its exquisite richness, voluptuous texture, and medium to full-bodied, lavishly fruity, intense finish, this is a remarkably rich, hedonistic red Burgundy. I would opt for drinking it now and over the next 10-12 years. Arnoux's 1993s are unequivocally major successes for the vintage. Before his death, Arnoux and the man currently responsible for the wine-making, Pascal Lachaux, had been voluntarily moving toward less fertilization, higher extraction, and more natural bottling. To their credit, the 1993s were bottled without fining or filtration. These are promising wines, with considerable complexity, well-integrated tannin, and copious quantities of sweet, expansive Pinot Noir fruit. A Peter Vezan Selection, various American importers, including Ideal Wines, Medford, MA; tel. (617) 395-3300