1999 Nuits St Georges Clos de Forets

The 1999 Nuits Saint-Georges 1er Cru Clos des Forêts Saint Georges is elegant and expressive, bursting with aromas of violets, ripe berries, sweet spices and rich savory nuances. On the palate, it's ample, medium to full-bodied and satiny, with stunningly elegant structuring tannins, a succulent core of luscious fruit and a long, precise finish. This is a beautiful wine that is aging on its impeccable balance.

Slightly dull medium red with a good dark core. Aromas of black raspberry, truffle, mocha and pepper, plus a balsamic hint of cedar; seemed to grow darker and gain in freshness with air. Silky on entry, then still rather wound-up and unyielding in the middle palate. Finishes firm-edged, bracing and long, with a strong acid backbone and slightly granular tannins. Will this wine become more harmonious with more cellaring or will it become more tertiary in character without growing suppler? Certainly it needs to be buffered by food today.

More serious than the '99 Clos de l'Arlot though not quite as ripe with color that is almost black as is the fruit with crushed herbs and intense minerality, succulent flavors and excellent pinot character. There are sizeable tannins that are completely wrapped in velvety fruit and this displays a slightly sweet finish. This is really very fine and fresh and while this is not a truly dense wine, it has filled out better on the mid-palate than I originally predicted. It will also need a bit more time as well to really arrive at its prime drinking window. Consistent notes.