2009 - Vosne-Romanee 1er Cru Aux Reignots, Jean Grivot

The 2009 Vosne-Romanee Aux Reignots is silky, elegant and impeccable from start to finish. This is a more weightless, sensual wine than some of the preceding selections, but it shows notable depth in its intensely fragrant, perfumed fruit. Sweet tannins frame the refined finish. Here the higher percentage of new oak (67%) is felt in the wine’s inner sweetness and texture, but not flavors. This is another jewel from Grivot. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029. This is a gorgeous set of wines from Etienne and Marielle Grivot that captures the essence of several of Vosne’s most illustrious vineyards. Grivot encourages slow malos and leaves the wines on the lees for approximately 15 months after the vinification. New oak ranges from 15-20% for the villages, 30-50% for the 1ers and 40-70% for the grands crus. Based on the wines I tasted 2009 looks like a much more consistent vintage than 2008. The finest 2008s are also well worth considering, but there are more highs and lows, especially in the entry part of the range. Importer: Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines, Napa CA; tel. (707) 299-2600