2010 Domaine Jean Grivot, Vosne-Romanee Premier Cru, Aux Reignots

The 2010 Vosne-Romanee Aux Reignots is a big, powerful wine. The dark red fruit reveals considerable density, while the 100% new oak gives the wine an additional measure of textural volume and depth. Sweet floral and spiced notes develop in the glass, but ultimately the Reignots is a wine that emphasizes fruit and structure. Patience is the key. Anticipated maturity: 2020-3030. I was blown away by the wines I tasted with Etienne Grivot on what turned out to be one of the most thrilling visits of my fall trip. Readers should do whatever they can to latch onto a few bottles of these exquisite Burgundies. Grivot talked about a roller coaster vintage which was saved by 3-4 days of good weather. The estate lost fruit from 3,000 plants and yields were down 40% across the board because of the poor weather during the flowering. The most dramatic proof of the loss in production was seeing some of rooms in the cellar with far fewer barrels than is the norm. The domaine’s 2009s are equally exciting. I will have notes on those wines in the April issue. Importer: Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines, Napa CA; tel. (707) 299-2600