(WA94-96 points) The 2012 Ruchottes-Chambertin Clos des Ruchottes Grand Cru comes from the domain’s monopole: populated by one-third vines aged around 30-years and the remainder around 65-years old (see December issue for more details.) This year it sees 20% new oak. It has wonderful delineation on the nose with heightened mineralite from the limestone soils. The palate is medium-bodied with a precise opening. There is a wave of pure, clinically defined fresh raspberry and wild strawberry notes that dovetails into quite a stern, very linear finish. This is uncompromising at the moment, an aloof yet compelling Ruchottes-Chambertin that does not quite possess the completeness of say, Mugneret-Gibourg’s, but clearly as the substance to age extremely well. - Neal Martin

This is beautifully elegant with its airy and cool yet markedly ripe nose of lavender, black raspberry, truffle and spiced plum scents. The sleek, well-delineated, intense and mineral-driven medium weight plus flavors possess fine mid-palate concentration before terminating in an attractively vibrant, harmonious and strikingly persistent finale. Lovely stuff that should age brilliantly well.