Anne Gros, Chambolle Musigny Combe d'Orveau

Anne Gros, Chambolle Musigny Combe d'Orveau(50% new oak). This displayed both fairly strong toast and heavy reduction last year from barrel and while the toast is almost completely gone, there is still a trace of reduction which leads to somber, backward and rich middle weight flavors that possess good volume and fine length with a mouth coating backend. There is good freshness and this is relatively fine for the vintage. I would suggest decanting it first. 87 2008+

This isn’t super-complex at present though the material appears to be present such that more depth will almost certainly develop and my range presupposes that will occur

In a series of three old-vine Barbaresco expressions

The Blanc des Millenaires is another terrific example that shows just how good the best wines of the year are

290 cases were made

well-balanced and lingering finish where the wood telegraphed by the nose resurfaces

typical of the estate

Finishes with chalky tannins and a continuing element of greenness

great lift and gaining intensity in the glass

The palate is medium to full-bodied with gorgeous plush tannins and balancing freshness supporting the boldly spicy black fruit preserves

There is very good volume to the delicious and energetic middle weight flavors that retain good detail on the saline and youthfully austere finish that is presently a bit tough

The big-bodied flavors possess a bit more size

full-bodied and quite serious broad-shouldered flavors also possess first-rate mid-palate concentration along with evident minerality on the driving and powerful if less refined finish