2014 Domaine Sylvain Cathiard, Vosne-Romanee Premier Cru, En Orveaux

The 2014 Vosne Romanée 1er Cru en Orveau has a more complex bouquet than the Aux Reignots, with delineated, mineral-rich blackberry and wild strawberry fruit. The palate is beautifully balanced with very fine tannin, very focused and tensile, almost crystalline on the very structured finish. This is a real vin de garde and may be one of the best expressions of this vineyard produced by the domaine.

(two-thirds new oak; from vines that are more than 70 years of age): Bright red with ruby tones. Pungent oak complements aromas of black raspberry, minerals and smoky gunflint. Dense, sweet and thick without displaying any heaviness. Deeper and more concentrated than the Reignots, conveying an old-vines creaminess of texture to the flavors of dark berries, minerals, violet and bitter chocolate. Really classic Vosne-Romanée with near-grand cru weight. This plush, wonderfully complex wine spreads out on the back to saturate the palate, with its suave, even tannins coating the front teeth.

67% new oak. 70-year-old vines. Heady nose – really the business! Juicy and sumptuous with real precision. Wonderful width across the palate. Taffeta crackling fruit. Classic Vosne. (JR)