2003 Domaine Mugneret-Gibourg Vosne-Romanée

Sporting a fresh nose of violets and cherries, the 2003 Vosne-Romanee is suave, satin-textured, and medium-bodied. Its engaging character reveals a wonderful attack and mid-palate. Packed with cherries, it leads to a firm, tannin-dominated finish. Drink it between 2007 and 2012. Importer: A Peter Vezan Selection, Paris fax #011-33-1-42-55-42-93

Ruby-red. Rather cool aromas of cassis, violet and mint, with a hint of toasty oak. Juicy, fresh and on the lean side, with cherry and herbal flavors offering moderate precision. Finishes firmly tannic and a bit clenched, even dry-edged, with only a suggestion of jellied red fruits indicating that this is from 2003. (By the way, the 2003 Bourgogne here should be a major success.)