Here there is less wood in evidence but also noticeably better complexity to the exceptionally spicy nose of plum, earth, Asian-style tea and pronounced floral scents. This is really quite refined as the caressing mid-palate is pure silk which contributes significantly to the sense of elegance of the medium weight flavors that are blessed with very fine concentration as well as plenty of palate coating dry extract on the markedly firm but not hard finale. This impeccably well-balanced effort should amply reward extended cellaring.

The 2014 La Grande Rue Grand Cru has a wonderful bouquet similar to the Grands Echézeaux, though at the moment albeit without the same degree of complexity. Perhaps this is just more backward at the moment. The palate is very well balanced with a keen line of acidity, nicely structured, perhaps just a little more conservative than the Grands Echézeaux, but maybe that means it will offer more once in bottle. One has the sense of a La Grande Rue just biding its time. Hopefully one day I will find out its qualities once in bottle.

Monopole. Very high-toned and full of jazzy fruit. Interesting notes. On the edge – or rather just on the right side of the edge. (JR)