90 2002 Vincent Girardin Maranges Clos des Loyeres VV 10/7/11 ($20)
Color: Medium deep framboise. Slight browning at the rim. (3.0) Bouquet: Black truffles and tart black cherry and raspberry. Minerality makes it lively. (3.0) Body: Solid middleweight with excellent acidity and fruit. Has a tangy, somewhat silky mouthfeel. (3.0) Flavor: Lots of flavor intensity, racy fruit and interesting old vines complexity. (3.0) Finish: Parallels flavor with nice length. (3.0)
Overall: This is the real deal. True red Burgundy character with old vines complexity for $20 a bottle. Wow! It even went through a 5 year closed phase. A developed, compelling red B with a slightly rustic component. Has definitely improved and transformed with age. At its best now and in the next 2 years. (15)