2015 - Vosne-Romanee 1er Cru Les Beaux Monts, Alain Hudelot-Noellat

Tasted blind, the 2015 Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Les Beaumonts performed very well, unfurling in the glass with aromas of sweet red berries, licorice, smoked duck and an exotic but judicious framing of spicy new wood. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, ample and satiny, with a supple, expansive attack, a succulent core of bright fruit and a long, flavorful finish. It's a lavish but controlled Beaumonts that should enjoy a broad window of drinkability.

The 2015 Vosne-Romanée Les Beaumonts 1er Cru is missing some definition on the nose and feels just a little green around the edges. The palate is simple and lacking depth, and the tannins are stringy and missing the finesse you seek in a wine of this quality, although I can abide the peppery finish. Within its category, this is more of a short-term proposition. Tasted blind at the annual Burgfest tasting.

A tad stolid. Chestnuts and not much sweetness though no shortage of tannin. Wait for this! (JR)