1996 Domaine Philippe Charlopin-Parizot Clos Saint-Denis Grand Cru

A monster with the sensibility of a child, this huge wine has come around beautifully since it was tasted last year shortly after bottling. Black and ultrathick, voluptuous and unctuous, delivering loads of mocha, spice and wet earth along with cassis, blackberry and black cherry. The sort of wine a Burgundy-lover dreams about. Much better than previously reviewed.

Author: Per-Henrik Mansson

It's as though this wine and the Charmes-Chambertin switched personalities as the character of the Clos St. Denis is lush and forward yet offers excellent intensity and grand cru complexity. In particular, the wine displays impressive balance and exquisite length. Elegant and fine and should yield a very fine bottle in a few years.

Issue: 4th Quarter, 2001