95 2002 Vincent Girardin Charmes Chambertin Grand Cru 3/18/17 ($80)
14.0% alc
Color: Deep black cherry with some browning at the rim, but no clearing. (3.0) Bouquet: Forest floor and black truffle complement cola, black cherry and black raspberry fruit. Elegant with minerality, yet forceful. (3.5) Body: Light heavyweight with excellent fruit and acidity. There are smooth tannins underneath, but it's so well balanced that you don't notice them. (3.5) Flavor: Cola and minerality are more prominent here, making it even more lively than the bouquet. (3.5) Finish: Long with tangy minerality and fruit. (3.5)
Overall: A great Red Burgundy with prominent fruit (cola, black cherry and black raspberry) that is ripe, yet perfectly balanced. Also shows lively minerality and interesting forestal complexity. I have always liked Girardin's style, which respects the terroir, preserving those flavors in the wine, but also strives for modernity with plenty of ripe fruit flavors. This is a wonderfully successful example of the house style that is at its peak and should remain this good for a few more years at least. Also a very fine example of Charmes Chambertin, which is known for being charming, even pretty for a Chambertin, yet shows the structure of the appellation. All of this is reflected here as well. (17.5)
Copyright © 2006 - 2017, Paul DeRose , WineOutpost.com