Brilliant ruby-red color. Musky, superrich, slightly roasted aromas of black raspberry, mint and tropical dark chocolate. Hugely sweet and creamy in the mouth, but with sound acidity and a vineyard-typical minty element giving shape and lift to the chewy cherry and raspberry fruit flavors. This very deep Clos Vougeot finishes with big but late-arriving tannins and terrific length. And distinctly fresher in the middle palate and long aftertaste than it is on the nose.

The 2012 Clos de Vougeot Vieilles Vignes Grand Cru is fully mature on the nose, slightly earthy with light animal fur aromas. Fine lift. The palate is medium-bodied with a firm structure, impressive transparency and a slightly short, tart finish. But there is a breeziness to this Clos de Vougeot that is very seductive. Tasted at the Southwold Burgundy dinner at Hatched restaurant.