Tasted blind at the annual "Burgfest" tasting in Beaune. The 2012 Vosne Romanée 1er Cru Les Malconsorts from Domaine du Clos Frantin was not the only wine from this Beaune stalwart that far exceeded expectations. Here, it has a pure nose with perfumed dark cherry and blueberry fruit, the oak here well integrated whilst maintaining fine delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with filigree tannin, well judged acidity, tensile with a finish that fans out gloriously. This is a superb, animated, energetic Vosne-Romanée that is an absolute delight. - Neal Martin

Happily here there is no reduction present on the ultra-spicy and floral nose where soft wood frames the ripe aromas of various dark berries and plum scents. There is excellent concentration to the robust and overtly muscular medium weight plus flavors that brim with dry extract on the structured and very firm but not hard finish that displays outstanding length on the mineral-driven backend. This robust effort is borderline strict at present and will require plenty of age to soften the tannins. Patience required. 2027+

Deep cherry red. Sweet and oaky on the nose but dark not red fruit. Really quite oaky now. Spiced dark fruit. Inside the cloak of oak, fine dark fruit, harmony of freshness and firm but fine tannins. A well-proportioned whole. Mouthwateringly juicy on the finish. 17/20 (JH)