Full medium red. Primary, peppery aromas of redcurrant, briary strawberry, mocha and brown spices. At once supple and high-pitched on the palate, showing intense berry, menthol and spice flavors accented by floral pastilles. This sappy, chewy, deep wine projects an impression of weightlessness. My sample expanded impressively with 48 hours in the recorked bottle while retaining its light touch.

Tasted blind at the annual "Burgfest" tasting in Beaune. The 2012 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru from Maison Roche de Bellene has a crisp, minerally bouquet with redcurrant and blackcurrant aromas, the latter becoming stronger with aeration, and underlying tertiary note developing in the glass and imparting more Clos de la Roche character. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red fruit, lightly spiced with a grainy texture, a little savory towards the finish that needs a little more substance. Returning after several minutes it gains harmony and distinction, so give it another few years in bottle and allow it to reach its plateau.