There have been many others over the last month – and maybe I’ll get a quick summary of those to you too – but yesterday, with visitors, a couple of classics – the appellations and the vintage too.

2010 Ramonet, Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Les Ruchottes
Tears or joy? This time it was joy – a wine in perfect condition though 2 of this 6-pack were oxidised. Now they are all done. An impressive-looking Trescasses cork did a good job in this case.
A strong but fresh lemon-yellow colour – this looks quite young. The nose is airy and clean but missing a little fireworks – unlike the palate. In the mouth we have expansive wine with quite enough freshness at this age – I thought it lacking here when younger. The middle and finishing flavours are muscular yet slightly lush and creamy – still with a suggestion of finishing oak but only as part of a wide palate of fine flavour. Super drinkable despite obvious concentration. Really a super thing!
Rebuy – this bottle!

2010 Nicolas Rossignol, Volnay 1er Chevrets
Nicolas, together with Henri Boillot, account for most of this climate – which is surrounded on 3 of 4 sides by Santenots and Caillerets – with the typical unbranded cork of Nicolas during this period
Medium, medium-plus colour – one of middle-age and no browning. The nose just got better and better with air; starting with a little turned earth before becoming ever-more perfumed and Volnay in style. A little more muscle and less absolute clarity of flavour than a Caillerets (his 2010 still waits in my cellar) so possibly more in the stylistic direction of Santenots. Simply excellent wine – and the proof of the pudding? No drop left for day 2!
Rebuy – Yes