Good full deep red. Complex aromas of wild red fruits, underbrush and minerals, complicated by hints of earth, herbs and game. Sweeter and riper than the village and premier cru bottlings, with much more buffering volume to support its fairly sizable tannic structure. Still, the tannins are slightly dusty.

The dark ruby-colored 1999 Clos Des Lambrays exhibits blackberry, cassis, blood orange, and spice aromas. It is medium-bodied, with a well-made candle wax, blackberry, cassis, and hoisin sauce-flavored personality. This spicy, extroverted wine is velvety-textured and appealing. Grand crus of the Cote de Nuits were entitled to 46 hectoliters per hectare yields (including the PLC) and the Domaine des Lambrays produced 45.5 hectoliters per hectare. My impression is that they would have achieved a more concentrated, deeper, and longer finishing wine if their yields had been more moderate. Drink this wine over the course of the next 10-12 years. Importer: Weygandt-Metzler, Peter Weygandt, Unionville, PA; tel. (610) 486-0800.

Smudgey, pruney, enveloping bouquet with quite a bit of development. Lots of freshness – tingly, exciting, even racy with luscious fruit. Already drinking well. (JR)