2006 Domaine Arlaud Père & Fils Clos Saint-Denis Grand Cru

($140) Good deep red. Complex briary aromas of cherry, brown spices, mocha and menthol. Quite suave and fine-grained on the palate, with harmonious acidity and a minty note framing the sexy, soil-driven flavors of red fruits, dried flowers and peppery spices. Finishes with sweet tannins and lovely subtle lingering perfume. |The Musigny of Morey,| says Cyprien about this grand cru, which needs time in bottle to put on weight and express itself. This was close to 13% natural alcohol, making it the ripest 2006 here along with the Ruchots.

Author: Stephen Tanzer

Issue: March/April 2009

A pungent nose of dark berry fruit, spice hints, vegetal notes and earth nuances leads to rather supple middle weight flavors that possess a dusty texture on the moderately firm finish. This wine has a history of putting on weight in the bottle and thus my score offers the benefit of the doubt that it will do so. If it doesn't, this is still a classy and refined wine that may be considered a touch on the lighter side for a Morey grand cru.

Author: Allen Meadows

Issue: 1st Quarter, 2009