This is quite similar to the regular cuvée save for the fact that the fruit component is slightly riper. Otherwise there are the same rich full-bodied and serious flavors that possess excellent mid-palate density and the same powerful driving and persistent finish. This is notably bigger than the regular cuvée yet not inelegant and one that should age well in the context of the vintage.

The 2009 Les Clos Clos des Hospices is a huge wine in this vintage. It turns positively explosive on the palate with intense yellow stone fruit minerals flowers and oak. This is a decidedly round voluminous style shaped by the 45% oak. I am not sure it will be a particularly long-lived wine but it will deliver plenty of enjoyment over the coming years. The Clos des Hospices was aged 45% in oak. As is the custom with this bottling the percentage of newer barrels is higher than in the straight Les Clos. The 2010 seems inherently better suited to the oak than the 2009. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019. -AG