2001 Domaine Dujac Echézeaux Grand Cru

Good bright dark red. Musky aromas of red fruits, game, coffee, mocha and herbs. Then rather unforthcoming in the mouth, and distinctly tougher than the 2002 (these two wines track their respective vintages), with suggestions of herbs and mocha. This was also backward in barrel, notes Jeremy Seysses. I suspect this will merit a higher score with five or six years of bottle aging.

The 2001 Echezeaux offers aromas reminiscent of spicy, peppery black cherries. On the palate, this light to medium-bodied wine is elegant, well-detailed, and fresh. It bursts on the attack, revealing lively blackberries and dark cherries. This refined, expressive effort also possesses a long, ripe finish. Drink it between 2005 and 2010. Importers: Chambers & Chambers, Inc., San Francisco, CA; tel. (415) 642-5500; and Wilson-Daniels, St. Helena, CA; tel. (707) 963-9661