2010 Vosne Romanée 1er Cru 'Les Suchots' 0,75l Jean Grivot

The 2010 Vosne-Romanee Les Suchots is a vertical, powerful wine that brings to mind the firm tannic spine typical of Richebourg. Layers of red berries, crushed rocks and flowers stain the palate as this dazzling, structured Burgundy reveals the full breadth of its personality and breed. There is tremendous thrust and energy in the glass. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2035. I was blown away by the wines I tasted with Etienne Grivot on what turned out to be one of the most thrilling visits of my fall trip. Readers should do whatever they can to latch onto a few bottles of these exquisite Burgundies. Grivot talked about a roller coaster vintage which was saved by 3-4 days of good weather. The estate lost fruit from 3,000 plants and yields were down 40% across the board because of the poor weather during the flowering. The most dramatic proof of the loss in production was seeing some of rooms in the cellar with far fewer barrels than is the norm. The domaine’s 2009s are equally exciting. I will have notes on those wines in the April issue. Importer: Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines, Napa CA; tel. (707) 299-2600

Bright full red. Pure, pungent, high-pitched aromas of red raspberry, red cherry, orange zest and flowers. Dense, vibrant and pure, with terrific energy and mineral lift to the red fruit and floral flavors. Finishes very long, subtle and youthfully taut. This has the acid/tannin spine for long aging. Grand cru quality and class here.