Morey Saint Denis 1er Cru "Les Ruchottes" 2004

My host in Toronto, the inimitable Dr Raj Maini, had read up on my negative tasting notes on the unripe 2004 vintage but nevertheless served this bottle. Very brave. Especially since I bought it for him. Yet... Yet... This turned out to be an inspired choice and bravo for keeping the bottle so long in three different continents. A genuinely foxy rim and brooding red brown colour. The nose is thrilling. Cranberry, huckleberry, Scottish raspberry and rhubarb which have somehow become sweet. No hint of the unpleasant moss, bark and capsicum aromas of earlier years. Lovely spice on the tertiary aromas of clove, aniseed and paprika. Decent on the palate too with good berry flavours which sustain the mature tannins. Scores 24/30 for a Morey 1er Cru. And a humbling experience.