La Grande Rue, Domaine Lamarche 2002

A reserved, even restrained nose that is elegant, pure and ripe as well as still largely if not completely primary with its spicy black fruit aromas that are trimmed in noticeable wood. There is a lovely mouth feel to the rich, full and naturally sweet medium weight plus flavors blessed with solid dry extract levels, all wrapped in a vibrant finish blessed with subtle minerality and impeccable balance. I really like the definition here and there is some backend wood remaining, it does not compromise the overall sense of equilibrium. This is built to age and should easily last for 30 years. Tasted several times recently with mostly consistent notes save for one very dull bottle that never did open up. Those who do not care for oak should note that there is enough here that it is not subtle but as noted, does not change the wine texturally. Try from 2020+

A reserved, even restrained nose that is elegant, pure and ripe as well as still 100% primary with its spicy black fruit aromas that complement perfectly the rich, full and naturally sweet medium weight plus flavors blessed with solid dry extract levels, all wrapped in a vibrant finish blessed with subtle minerality and impeccable balance. I really like the definition here and while a touch of backend wood remains, it does not compromise the overall sense of equilibrium. This is built to age and should easily last for 30 years.