1995 Charmes Chambertin

In 1995, the Charmes-Chambertin (generally not one of Roumier's strongest offerings) is fabulous! Medium-to-dark ruby colored with touches of purple, this wine's fragrant nose offers floral-scented sweet fruit. Medium-to-full bodied and thick-textured, the Charmes covers the palate with super-ripe fresh red and purple berries. Slightly tannic, I suggest drinking this wine between 2002 and 2012. This note is the result of tastings I did in Burgundy between January 7 and January 29. The wine was tasted from cask, not bottle. Pinot Noir, a fragile varietal, reacts poorly to fining, filtration, and careless bottling techniques, I recommend caution when considering buying a red burgundy based on cask samples. I called it as I tasted it, and hope the bottled wine reflects the quality of the samples I was provided. The harvest took place here on September 29 for the Corton-Charlemagne and between October 2 and 9 for the reds. Yields averaged 28 hectoliters/hectare. Overall, Roumier's 1995s are stunning wines. They have breathtaking ripeness of fruit, elegance, power and texture. Bravo! Importer: Chateau and Estate Wine Co., New York, NY; tel. (212) 572-7725

Good medium red. More sauvage aromas of cherry, raspberry, animal fur and coffee, yet also shows the floral quality of '95. Intensely flavored and aromatic in the mouth, with a sensual texture and a hint of caramel. Despite sound acidity and very good balance, though, this wine doesn't quite come alive in the mouth. "It currently lacks passion" is how Roumier describes it. Finishes long, with firm, ripe tannins.