Although growers in the Côte de Nuits were mostly ecstatic with 2002's quality, there were doubters too. But this tremendous wine proves them wrong. The nose is charming, lifted and pure, displaying great finesse. In contrast, the palate is rich and full-bodied, with weight, volume and a forceful, assertive character. This is showing admirable depth and persistence, and it's still going strong, with excellent balance and length.

Youthful bright, dark red. Musky aromas of red cherry, plum, fig, underbrush and smoked meat, plus hints of caramel and white truffle. Sweet, plush and voluptuous; not particularly precise or high-pitched but mouthfilling and smooth, showing a sexy truffley quality and suggestions of very ripe fruit. Finishes with substantial dusty tannins and excellent length. Anne Gros noted that this wine is "fuller and sweeter now than it was at the beginning."

Medium red. Perfumed aromas of black cherry, bitter chocolate, violet and licorice. Sweet, supple and broad; more pleasing today than the village wine. Powerful, spicy and harmonious. Finishes with terrific persistence of fruit and lingering perfume. A superb 2002, and one that may be even better with five or six years of additional bottle aging.

Clos Vougeot did particularly well in 2002, and Anne Gros’ Grand Maupertui is no exception. Roses, violets, and assorted red fruits are found in the aromatic profile of this fresh, medium-bodied wine. Broad, satin-textured, and packed with blackberries, red cherries, raspberries, and spices, it is pure, concentrated, dense, and exhibits a long, fruit-packed finish. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2014. Importer: A Peter Vezan Selection, Paris fax #011-33-1-42-55-42-93