Roche Bellene, Vosne Romanee Beaux Monts

Roche Bellene, Vosne Romanee Beaux MontsThere is enough reduction present to push the spice and ripe dark berry fruit aromas to the background though it does not extend to the palate. The amply rich and full bodied flavors possess fine midpalate density and evident minerality on the succulent yet focused and slightly warm finale that is youthfully austere but not dry. I allowed this 24 hours of air and it remained reduced and I am always wary of wines that dont clean up with extended air.

The 2012 Syrah The Tribe Vineyard was made with around 85% whole clusters and matured for 15 months in used demi-muids and foudres

the wine blows me away with an unusual combination of power and elegance

and a hint of almond paste

whereas the palate of this medium-bodied and linear wine is firmly structured

I'd like to check back in on this in five or six years

Here is a straight shooting and enjoyable expression of Sangiovese

my ratings have varied between 91 and 93

The acidity is fine and well integrated into rich and juicy fruit

Sweet and penetrating on the palate

serious and complex finale that is also clearly built-to-age

--1982 Bordeaux horizontal

and there are toasty notes redolent of roasted sunflower seeds