2008 Domaine Jean Grivot Vosne-Romanée Les Beaux Monts 1er Cru

The 2008 Vosne-Romanee Les Beaux Monts is fresh, vibrant and beautifully explosive. The rich, layered fruit finds a fabulous counterpoint in the nuanced aromatics and chiseled finish. This is a beautiful, complete wine with a very bright future. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2028. This is a gorgeous set of wines from Etienne and Marielle Grivot that captures the essence of several of Vosne’s most illustrious vineyards. Grivot encourages slow malos and leaves the wines on the lees for approximately 15 months after the vinification. New oak ranges from 15-20% for the villages, 30-50% for the 1ers and 40-70% for the grands crus. Based on the wines I tasted 2009 looks like a much more consistent vintage than 2008. The finest 2008s are also well worth considering, but there are more highs and lows, especially in the entry part of the range. Importer: Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines, Napa CA; tel. (707) 299-2600

Good full, bright red. Wonderfully aromatic nose offers raspberry, cherry, wild herbs, flowers, white pepper and cumin. Silky on entry, then gripping and sweet in the mid-palate; a distinct step up in intensity and plenitude from the village wines. The mounting, energetic finish really stains the palate. This needs time in bottle. Grivot compares his 2008s to vintages like 2006, 2001 and 1998.

Good medium red. Complex aromas of cherry, plum, Oriental spices and flowers. Dense, suave and juicy, with a tangy spice character running through the raspberry and floral flavors. Finishes sweet and long, with a broad, fine dusting of tannins and excellent cut. This very pure wine has the structure to evolve slowly in bottle.