2019 Jean Grivot Vosne-Romanee Aux Brulees

The 2019 Vosne-Romanée Aux Brûlées 1er Cru has a more marine/oyster-shell-scented bouquet, tightly wound at first and then opening up to display floral aromas that never quite `release` as much as Grivot’s other Vosne cuvées. The palate is silky-smooth on the entry, offering plush black cherry and bilberry fruit. Very sleek with veins of dark chocolate toward the finish. This just seems to miss the_ je ne sais quoi_ of, say, Grivot`s Aux Reignots or Beaux Monts. 91-93 points

Rich deep dark colour, the nose is a little less exciting than I expected, showing a little bit of the burnt stones aspect of Brûlées. There is certainly a significant weight to this wine, with a sweeter touch, interestingly complex and with good length. Fresher finish. 92-96 points