A ripe yet discreet and restrained cool red berry fruit nose also displays notes of warm earth, spice, plum and floral hints. There is excellent richness and overt power to the relatively refined medium weight plus flavors thanks to the fine grained tannins that coat the mouth on the explosively long finish. This impeccably well-balanced effort is clearly the best in show in 2011 as well as the most obviously structured.

The 2011 Clos Vougeot Grand Cru has a mineral-led bouquet that opens wonderfully in the glass to reveal subtle raspberry leaf and bergamot scents, potpourri emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, grippy tannins, succulent mulberry and black currant notes that line the structured and quite masculine finish. Superb. Drink 2015-2028+. - Neal Martin