2013 Domaine du Comte Liger Belair, Vosne-Romanee Premier Cru, Les Suchots

The Vosne-Romanée Les Suchots is quite round and supple in this vintage. Dark red and black stone fruits and a general bold overall profile are the main signatures, but at the same time there is quite a bit of underlying structure in support. The Suchots is always one of the flashier wines here, as it is again in 2013.

Deep, ripe aromas and flavors of black raspberry, black cherry and cocoa powder, enlivened by tangy minerality. Suave and fine-grained, with mineral-driven acidity contributing grip and structure. "In the past, the Suchots was too easy," noted Liger-Belair, "but using some whole clusters gives the wine seriousness and lift."

Whole-cluster element gives lift to this clay premier cru. Deep dark crimson. Deep and dark on the nose. Rich and even with a hint of cassis fruit. Very exciting and nervy. Clean and fresh. Direct. Great purity. (JR)