Richebourg, Domaine Gros Frère et Soeur 2010

**Note: from a .7 ha parcel that was partially replanted in 1985 and the remainder in 1989**
In contrast to the prior wines, here there is almost no visible oak influence and this contributes greatly to this wine's excellent transparency. The brooding nose is distinctly floral with cool dark berry fruit, stone and spice inflected aromas that merge seamlessly into rich, textured and mouth coating large-scaled flavors that possess excellent underlying material on the very firmly structured finish. I very much like the sophistication of the quite stylish effort though note that this will not be an early drinker, indeed it will need at least 15 years of cellaring before it arrives at its full potential.

The 2010 Richebourg boasts a huge center of fruit, deeply pitched, expressive aromatics and tons of structure to back it all up. Violets, menthol and spices develop in the glass, adding tons of complexity and character. The aromas and flavors reach a big, expressive crescendo on the finish. This is a fabulous showing from Bernard Gros. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2035.

I tasted all of Bernard Gros's 2010s from tank, where the wines were settling for the winter. As is his usual custom, Gros concentrated the wines 10-15%, and therefore did not feel the need to chaptalize any of his 2010s. He calls 2010 a good vintage for quality but not the wallet, as yields are down 30-40%.