Ponsot Assortment, Domaine Ponsot 2001

*Chambertin*- 90 points
A cool and very restrained nose features mostly red currant and underbrush aromas that are displaying more than a trace of secondary nuances leads to equally earthy and pungently sauvage-inflected medium-bodied flavors that possess an unusually elegant mouth feel. As is the case with the Griotte this culminates in a linear, austere and compact finish that is accurately described as somewhat lean. Though this could be approached now without leaving too much upside development potential on the table, I would advise allowing this to rest for another 4 to 6 years first in the hopes that it will soften somewhat as well as possibly flesh out more.

*Clos St Denis VV*- 94 points
A spicy, perfumed and fully mature nose offers up plenty of earth and exotic tea elements where the fruit runs much more toward the red side of the spectrum. The velvety and wonderfully refined medium weight flavors exude a lovely minerality on the pure and focused finish that possesses a dusty palate impression. I very much like the persistence as the finale seems to disappear only to return several times. For my taste this is drinking perfectly well now though it should hold effortlessly for at least another decade. In a word, terrific.

*Chapelle Chambertin*- 90 points
There is a slightly curious hint of lactic character that detracts slightly from the overall sense of purity though not so much as to render the almost fully mature aromas of secondary fruit and earth unpleasant. There is good verve and detail to the velvety middle weight flavors that display a lovely bead of minerality on the solidly persistent finish that evidences a subtle but perceptible touch of warmth. As the description suggests, this is a little awkward but not without its appeal. For my taste this is knocking on the door of its full apogee if not quite there yet. Note that I tried several different bottles at the tasting and all of them displayed this lactic character so I can only assume that it's the wine and not these particular examples.

*Griotte Chambertin*- 92 points
In contrast to the mildly odd nose of the Chapelle, this is perfumed, elegant and cool with its ultra-pure aromas of all but fully mature red berry fruit, underbrush and soft earth tones. There is really lovely detail and plenty of minerality on the strikingly intense medium weight flavors that terminate in a slightly austere finish that is less generous than that of the Chapelle. I like the balance and punch though some may find this to be a bit more austere than they prefer. Note that for my taste this could easily be drunk now but I would be inclined to hold this for another 2 to 3 years in the hopes that the finale will flesh out just a bit more.

*Clos de la Roche VV*- 92 points
Classic ruby. Highly complex and nuanced black cherry fruit aromas and fresh, damp earth notes lead to medium weight, sappy, refined flavors that display outstanding precision and superb length. This is ripe, pure and finishes with a very appealing stony quality to complement the outstanding persistence. There is solid structure and the finish is quite firm and this will require at least a decade to be at its best.