This wine seems very consistent with the 1999 vintage. Some intensity and complexity – but versus the ‘Mazy’ and ‘Griottes’ a lighter wine.

2001 Frédéric Esmonin, Ruchottes-Chambertin
Medium, medium-plus relatively young colour. The nose starts wide but diffuse, slowly focusing to give a really impressive red cherry note. To start with the major impression in the mouth was the tart fruit/acid balance, this was moderated by food and seemed okay later – perhaps that was just me – the acidity remains ‘intense’ though is buffered by quality red fruit. Very little tannin and a finish that lingers as long as the mouth-watering acidity supports it – which is quite a while. Intense without obvious density, primary in both aroma and flavour – but engaging enough. Very young, it’s rather good, though it’s not ‘great’. Reminds me of many a ’96 though with more primary fruit of-course.
Rebuy – Maybe

I was actually ‘torn’ whether to make this a rebuy ‘yes’ or ‘maybe’. That was because it’s not a top-performing Ruchottes, in fact it’s borderline 1er cru / grand cru in quality. But the release price is that of 1er cru, so there remains value.