Vosne Romanee Suchots, Domaine Jean Grivot 2005

Bright, deep red-ruby. Wonderfully classy nose shows an almost liqueur-like quality to the aromas of black raspberry, cocoa powder and minerals. Like liquid silk in the mouth, and a step up in creamy richness from the preceding samples. Amazingly lush and classy wine with the fine-grained texture and suavity of a Romanee Saint-Vivant. Chocolatey in the middle palate, then wonderfully light and energetic on the mounting finish, combining a medicinal reserve with a captivating palate-coating sweetness. This one really leaves the taste buds aquiver. A heartbreaking wine, particular as it's not normally seen in the U.S. market. (At this point in our tasting, Grivot told me that the 2005s are his best vintage ever.)

A classic Vosne nose that is much like that of the Beaux Monts but more deeply pitched and even spicier with black cherry hints and a seemingly spice box of different nuances that continue onto the suave, rich and velvety flavors that are wrapped around an even firmer tannic spine on the powerful and exceptionally long finish. This is less refined than its stable mate but it's more concentrated and more masculine. A big and serious Suchots but a beautifully balanced effort built to see its 30th birthday in style. Highly recommended. Drink: 2017+