This is riper still with a complex mélange of red and blue pinot fruit violets lavender earth and a hint of spice that precedes the rich supple and powerful flavors that are underpinned by sophisticated tannins and a balanced minerally and gorgeously long finish. This is strikingly complex and by far and away the best showing of this wine that I have ever seen at least at such an early juncture.

The 2009 Clos de la Roche is so beautiful today I could hardly blame anyone who chooses to enjoy this superb wine in its youth. Silky tannins frame an expressive core of fruit in this perfumed polished Burgundy. The 2009 is quite a bit more floral and higher-toned than the 2010 perhaps because of the greater use of whole clusters during fermentation. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2029. -Antonio Galloni