Clos de Vougeot, Louis Jadot 2010

The exceptional freshness of the 2010 vintage is more than apparent here with a restrained and cool nose of intensely earthy red and dark berry fruit aromas that also display forest floor and humus notes. There is outstanding concentration to the extract-rich broad-shouldered flavors that display plenty of power and muscle on the impressively persistent if almost aggressively austere and very firmly structured finish. This is a big wine yet it carries its size and weight effortlessly in large part because of the fine mid-palate concentration and relatively fine grain of the tannins. Note that this is very much like the Chapelle in that it would be absolutely pointless to open a bottle at this point, indeed this is another 'bury it in the back of the cellar and forget you own it"" wines.

Medium red. Tight but pure nose offers redcurrant, red cherry, minerals, flowers, licorice and menthol, plus a high note of orange zest. On the palate, terrific inner-mouth energy gives sharp definition to the intense flavors of red berries, spices and menthol. Finishes with serious, firm tannins and an impression of weightlessness. For a taut wine that's built for a graceful evolution in bottle, this is remarkably pliant today.

Good full red. Rather hermetic, reduced nose hints at black cherry and botanical herbs. Extremely rich but closed, with a medicinal reserve to the black cherry, menthol and pepper flavors. Best today on the very long, strong finish, where the youthful tannins grab the palate and don't let go. This will need extended cellaring.