2002 Domaine Arnoux-Lachaux, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru, Clos des Corvees Pagets

Loads of spiced, herbal black fruits are found in the aromatic profile of the 2002 Nuits-St.-Georges Clos des Corvees Pagets. Produced from a large parcel in the center of its vineyard, located at the northern entrance of Premeaux-Prissey, this is a lush, suave medium-bodied wine with admirable depth and concentration. Its sweet dark fruits seamlessly linger throughout its long, expressive finish. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2015. Importers: A Peter Vezan Selection, Paris fax #011-33-1-42-55-42-93, and also represented by Russell Herman, Berkeley Heights, NJ; tel. (908) 771-9082

Red-ruby. Stony red fruits and flowers on the nose. Supple and expressive in the mouth, but seems a bit soft today, with less obvious material and sweetness of fruit than the Proces. Tannins are slightly drier. I don't get the sturdiness of Nuits, but this has fat. Perhaps going through an awkward stage.