Melted road tar, incense, licorice and black stone fruits are some of the notes that emerge from the 2011 Clos de La Roche. Even with all of its obvious size and heft, the Clos de La Roche remains exceptionally elegant. Layers of dark, balsamic-infused fruit build to the intense, enveloping finish. The 2011 was vinified with 50% whole clusters and aged in 50% new oak.

Don't miss! There is enough wood to notice though it does not dominate the ripe plum, black cherry, cassis, warm earth and abundant spice nuances. There is outstanding richness to the big-bodied and overtly powerful flavors that possess a suave mouth feel before culminating in a firm, long, balanced and superbly complex finish. Well worth considering. Drink: 2023+
– Burghound.com, Issue 49. Tasted: Jan 2013

(from vines picked near the end of the harvest, at close to 13% potential alcohol): Good deep red. Deep, sappy aromas and flavors of maraschino cherry, licorice, chocolate, mocha and spices, plus hints of damp earth and underbrush. The sweetest of these 2011s and quite open-knit today. Finishes with substantial ripe tannins.

The 2011 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru comes from a 0.30-hectare parcel located toward Montluisants and is also raised in 30% new oak. It has a perfumed bouquet with dark plum, mulberry and orange blossom scents that gain vigor with aeration. The palate is well-balanced with a succulent opening, a touch of spice at the front of the mouth with the smooth, plush raspberry and wild strawberry fruit at the back. There is a pleasing long spicy aftertaste. This is burly Grand Cru that makes up what it is missing in finesse with weight and girth. Drink 2015-2025.
– eRobertParker.com, Aug 2013

For reports and full tasting notes, go toTim Atkin MW's website.

Scented and sinewy. Not a knockout drop by any means. But solid and firm and excellent structure. Opens out on the end. Promising. (JR)