Medium ruby-red. The nose right from opening is a bit of a star. Deep with a twist of oak before transparent red berry and redcurrant notes come through. Plenty of higher, slightly volatile notes too – but always quite compelling. The palate is just a little more challenging – very forward acidity, indeed borderline ‘too much acidity’, very, very linear presentation, still a little astringent tannin remains, but there’s also some bitterness in the finish. No sign of decline because this is exactly how the wine presented itself for the whole 3 hours before it was gone. A bit of a challenge this bottle, balanced by the lovely aromatics.
Engel René
1996 Engel René Vosne-Romanée
1998 Engel René Vosne-Romanée
Medium-plus cherry red, no sign of ruby yet. The nose starts with a burst of well toasted oak – lasts only a minute or two – replaced by red pinot fruits against a background of sweet Vosne spice and faint tobacco. Concentrated fruit, red & black, mouthwatering acidity and forward, slightly grainy tannin. Tannins are much less drying than either of the following Vosnes. This will start to drink well earlier than many – but still wait another 3 years.
1996 Engel René Vosne-Romanée
Medium ruby colour fading very little to the rim. The nose is pure, characteristic Vosne, starting with a touch of undergrowth, deep spicy notes, a touch of black fruit and slowly developing, eventually dominating, raspberry. The palate is very fresh from the forward acidity, showing reasonably concentrated red cherry fruit – still quite primary. The tannins finish with a little unintrusive grain and the finish is almost good. Without showing real fat, the wine is still mouthfilling and obviously some way from maturity. I’ll try the next in another couple of years – good wine.