2009 Domaine Claude Dugat Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru

The 2009 Charmes-Chambertin is absolutely stunning today. Black cherries, freshly cut flowers, mint, tar, licorice and spices are woven together in a fabric of exceptional class and elegance. A flashy, extroverted finish captures the essence of the very best qualities of the year and the house style. Anticipated maturity: 2021-2034. Importer: Robert Kacher Selections, New York City; tel. (212) 239-1275

Bright red-ruby. Expressive, very ripe aromas of black cherry, chocolate, mocha, leather and game. Very sweet, rich and deep, with concentrated black cherry and dark raspberry fruit complemented by coffee and mocha. Shows the extreme ripeness of the vintage, but this very young wine should age for 12 to 15 years on its stuffing and substantial tannic backbone.

Good red-ruby. Deep aromas of black cherry and chocolate lifted by a floral element. Creamy-rich and powerful, with superripe dark fruit and earth flavors showing more energy than the Lavaux. Finishes with substantial dusty tannins and good grip and lift. This will probably need a good five or six years of bottle aging.