VOSNE ROMANÉE

As ever the 'Petits Monts' is one of the stars of the show here. The parcel is high up the slope - above DRCs Richebourg and next to Cros Parentoux - an impressive spot which does not disappoint. One of the last that they pick as its height means it ripens quite late. The first vintage was 1985 and they really seem to understand the vineyard. The have nailed it once again in 2017. Lovely light middle but good energy is lively with cherry skin and cranberry crunch. There is sap too and riper juice lurking - driven on brilliantly by a fine-line of minerality that weaves its way throughout the well-kempt core. For some of the juice they ferment by 'Vendange Integral'. With whole bunches going in to a 500l puncheon for fermentation. Veronique explains this adds elegance and explains the lightness in colour. This is an superbly elegant wine. Pretty and with a suavely energetic drive. Lithe and bright. Very good. Drinking range: 2022 - 2030L&S (Nov 2018)

(from two parcels that total .39 ha; they are worked by horse because there is no path for a tractor; 40% whole clusters). The higher whole cluster percentage is evident as the nose is exceptionally floral with its cool and pure aromas of rose petal, violet and lilac along with plenty of spice elements. The restrained, focused and beautifully well-delineated medium weight flavors evidence good muscle on the firm, structured and very clearly built-to-age finish. This is textbook Petits Monts. Drinking range: 2032 - Rating: 93 Allen Meadows, www.Burghound.com (Apr 2019)

The 2017 Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Les Petits Monts is lovely, wafting from the glass with aromas of sweet dark berries, smoked meats, spices, rich soil, grilled game and a delicate framing of new wood. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, velvety and layered, with an ample and enveloping core of fruit, supple tannins and juicy acids, concluding with good length on the finish. Rating: 92-94 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Jan 2019)