2013 Domaine Sylvain Cathiard, Vosne-Romanee Premier Cru, Reignots

Aristocratic and noble in its bearing, the 2013 Vosne-Romanée Aux Reignots boasts incredible verticality in its flavors and textures. The Reignots blossoms in all directions, showing remarkable finesse throughout. Perhaps a bit less overt than some of the other wines in the range, the Reignots is nevertheless gorgeous. These vines are just 17 years old, which makes me wonder what heights the Reignots might reach in another decade or two. This is another absolutely impeccable wine from Cathiard.

The 2013 Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Aux Reignots, which is matured in 50% new wood this year, has a fragrant bouquet with pure strawberry, kirsch and orange sorbet scents. The palate is medium-bodied, tensile in the mouth, with racy acidity and a linear, vivacious, animated finish. Great potential here for sure, but it will require five or six years in bottle. It will be fascinating to plot its evolution against the Les Suchots.