2009 Domaine Perrot-Minot Domaine Charmes-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes Grand Cru

The 2009 Charmes-Chambertin is a bit closed in its bouquet, but is much more open and expressive on the palate. Layers of fruit built to the effortless, gracious finish. Mint and crushed flowers are some of the notes that add complexity on the sumptuous finish. As good as this is, I don’t see the fullest pedigree of Charmes coming through in the glass, at least today. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2029. I was deeply impressed with Christophe Perrot-Minot’s 2009s. The wines are rich and powerful in the Perrot-Minot style, yet also shine with tons of energy. New oak was 20% for the village level wines, 30% for the premier crus and 30-50% for the grand crus, topping out at 50% for the Chambertin. Importer: Martine’s Wines. Novato, CA; tel. (415) 883-040

Good full red. Musky, inviting aromas of small wild red berries and game, with a touch of smoky minerality. Silky-sweet and rather open-knit, especially following the powerful bottlings from Nuits Richemone. In a distinctly feminine style. Still, the wine's tannins have a slightly harsh quality that will require patience.

Red-ruby. Reduced nose offers sexy spices, smoky minerality and flowers. Silky on entry, then expands in the middle to offer highly aromatic flavors of iron, tobacco and minerals. A very feminine, perfumed style of Charmes, from vines located next to Chambertin, according to Perrot-Minot. Finishes with sweet tannins and a suggestion of mint.