Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru "Les Orveaux" 2002, Mongéard-Mugneret

The Domaine Mongéard-Mugneret is one of the big-hitters in the Côte de Nuits with vineyards in grands crus like Clos de Vougeot, Echézeaux, Grands Echézeaux and the big mamma Richebourg as well as premiers crus like "Les Orveaux". The family even have their own Hotel in Vosne called Le Richebourg complete with spa for female wine-tasters or ladies who lunch.

Boasting a thick cherry reflective colour with a foxy rim this 1er Cru is potent and open on the nose. Pencil lead, plum, blueberry, cinnamon, white pepper. The aromas are enveloped in a sweetness of candied cranberry, cherry coulis and a line of tangerine. Really alluring -- pulls the nostrils into the glass. Thick plum and black cherry fruit with absolutely splendid stone fruit tannins and acidity that cut through the chunky fruit like a knife through a Paul fruit tart. The power on the palate reflects the position of Les Orveaux on the hillside above Clos de Vougeot. This is an incredibly rich and boastful wine! To share or not to share? That is the question.

The photo shows my cat forraging for a second bottle.