After the (frankly!) bizarre 2009, confidence is restored by this 2008. I remain committed to that 2009, even if that committment is largely the 5 remaining bottles in the cellar!

2008 Joseph Roty, Gevrey-Chambertin Cuvée La Brunelle
Medium, medium-plus colour. As anticipated there’s a dark undertow to the nose, an oaky undertow, but it is relatively subtle. The fruit smells sweet, a litle high-toned, and is coupled to an interesting peppery note, plus, if you wait long enough there’s a beautiful, almost haunting, redcurrant note too. In the mouth this has nice freshness – it’s also a universe away from the tart acidity of some 08s. There is a little tannin which feels predominantly oak tannin rather than grape-derived; that tannin brings a bitter-chocolate quality to the finish – which sits well with the subtle creamy dimension of the fruit. Overall, I think the oak is blurring some of the wine’s clarity / definition, bringing something of a soft-focus, but this oak will fade, and what lies below is very tasty and very interesting indeed.
Rebuy – Yes