2017 Domaine Emmanuel Rouget Vosne-Romanée Cros Parantoux 1er Cru

The 2017 Vosne-Romanée Cros Parantoux 1er Cru, matured in 100% new oak, has a flamboyant bouquet that I cannot remember encountering in any previous vintage at this stage. Red berry fruit, veins of blue fruit, crushed violet, fig and Medjool dates - this is quite exotic and yet beautifully controlled. The palate is medium-bodied with an almost lactic opening, fleshy and deep. Quite ravishing in style compared to the Echézeaux, with a persistent, sweet confit-like finish.

Tasted from several barrels, the 2017 Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Cros Parantoux was showing very well, unfurling in the glass with aromas of sweet berries, dark spices, grilled meats, rich soil and rose petal. On the palate, it's full-bodied, multidimensional and concentrated with a sappy core of fruit and the vertical line that routinely marks the wines from this comparatively cool site, concluding with a long and precise finish. It's a brilliant wine.