2001 Denis Bachelet, Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes
Medium-plus ruby red, but still hinting at cherry-red at the rim. A really impressive nose that starts a little reduced – but only for a minute or two – then red fruit, edged with mint, becoming ever-more intense and deep – wow! Fresh presentation, very understated tannin, equally understated in the finish despite being long-lasting. This is not a fat wine, rather a wonderfully detailed one. Rebuy – Yes

This is superb quality for a villages and with respect to its appellation impressed me even more than the Bachelet Gevrey 1er of last week – it’s as good as Rousseau’s 2001 and even better value at a mere 39 S.Fr vs Rousseau’s 49 S.Fr – if you can still find either of them!

Luckily one more glass remains in the bottle for tonight!