1995 Clos Vougeot
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Tasting notes
This dark-colored wine (originally rated 89-92 in Issue # 111) displays mouth-watering aromas of saucisson (the French answer to salami), violets, roses, black cherries, and Asian spices. This gorgeous, medium-to-full-bodied, thick, opulent, and silky-textured wine is even better and more seductive than I remembered it. Armed with a wonderful depth of dark fruit (plums, blackberries, and blueberries), this luscious and refined wine is also admirably focused, expressive, and fresh. A delight! Projected maturity: 2002-2009. Daniel Chopin produces his consistently outstanding Clos Vougeot from a parcel located directly below that famed vineyard's chateau. All good things must end, as 1996 marks Daniel Chopin's last vintage. Burgundy, and wine lovers, are losing a man who for years crafted luscious, friendly, and smile-inducing wines. Always supple, opulent, seductive, and fruit-driven, Chopin's offerings will continue to bring joy to those that have squirreled them away. Starting with the 1997 vintage, his son-in-law and pupil, Hubert Chauvenet (Domaine Chauvenet-Chopin), will take over this estate's vineyards. May Daniel Chopin enjoy retirement as much as I have enjoyed his wines. Naturally, he chose to go out with a bang, crafting an impressive line-up of 1996s. Importer: Robert Kacher Selections, Washington, DC; tel (202) 832-9083.
Critic scores
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Pierre Rovani
Pierre Rovani
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Made from declassified premier cru Vougeot Les Petits Vougeots juice, the medium-to-dark ruby Vougeot is an excellent wine. Aromatically, it reveals creamy mocha, chocolate and dark fruits as well as similar flavors intertwined with a roasted fruit characteristic and touch of sweet oak. This medium bodied, slightly chewy wine should be at its peak from 1999-2004. 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. Importer: Robert Kacher Selections, Washington, DC; tel. (202) 832-9083.