Chambertin Clos de Bèze, Domaine Drouhin Laroze 2009

A fresh nose mixes both natural and wood spice together with rose petal, wild red currant and intense earthiness that also suffuses the cool, elegant, admirably pure and beautifully well-detailed flavors that culminate in a linear, austere and hugely long finish. This should be first rate but like all of these grands crus, it will not be an early drinker.

Tasted out of barrel at the Domaine. Similar to the Clos de Vougeot, the Clos de Beze demonstrates great mineralite on the nose with tart cherry fruit, raspberry leaf and oyster shells. Great delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with super-fine tannins, very feminine and yet with great focus and power. Redcurrant and raspberry on the front palate, crushed stones on the back. Long in the mouth. Superb. Tasted November 2010.