As I opened a Vosne, I have an excuse to add a few photos (below) from a promenade of sorts I made in the village last week. As you can see, Louis-Michel Liger-Belair’s ‘I’m the only crane in the village’ crown has gone to Château Latour, who, economic depression or not, are still ploughing cash into the construction of their new Domaine d’Eugenie cuverie – the photo is take over the wall of the Vosne-Romanée Clos Frantin vineyard which still belongs to Albert Bichot (Domaine du Clos Frantin) though they sold Latour their old cuverie buildings.
Whatever is happening in the wider market, there are always bargains to be found. In the last 12 months or so (ignoring 2004) I would say some of the best value wines have been from the 2001/2002 vintages. Here is an example of that, a case purchased last year from the broking list of a main UK merchant for £275. Perfect storage history of course, but then it will only be worth the bargain ‘tag’ if it’s any good:
2002 Louis Jadot, Vosne-Romanée 1er Les Petits Monts
A medium, medium-plus intermediate age colour. The nose starts a little dumb but slowly adds width, depth and dimension – it’s about understated but polished fruit and a blend of spicy herbs. Like the nose, the palate needs about 45 minutes to one hour to get into a good place but then you have a mouthful of silky texture, decent concentration, the sweetly fresh fruit that is the hallmark of the vintage and a really super length that mixes faint caramel and oak flavours. Very well balanced and, like many 2002s, still partly in its shell – but this has super potential – I should say it also wasn’t bad on the night!
Rebuy – Yes
