2014 Joseph Drouhin, Vosne-Romanee 1er Cru, Les Petits Monts 1x75cl

Robert Parker – 92-94

The 2014 Vosne Romanée 1er Cru les Petits Monts was picked on September 16 and contains 20% whole cluster fruit. Due to be bottled next spring, it has a very fragrant, quite floral bouquet with black cherries, blueberry, minerals and rose petals — very seductive and detailed. The palate is medium-bodied with svelte, quite lush black fruit, saline in the mouth with very fine tannins interlacing the finish. This is beautiful Petits Monts from Drouhin. [28/09/2017]

Anticipated maturity: 2018-2038

JancisRobinson.com – 17+

20% whole cluster. 17 months in oak. Definite oak sweetness on the nose, some vanilla. Quite a grip on the palate, savoury/sweet oak flavours more than fruit, with a quite austere impression in youth. Needs time. Pretty dry and unyielding at the moment but all in harmony for the future. (JH) [19/11/2015]

Anticipated maturity: 2019-2029

Vinous – 91-92

(from a crop level of 28 hectoliters per hectare): Healthy red-ruby. Deeply pitched aromas of dark fruits, licorice and menthol reminded me a bit of Richebourg. Bone-dry and uncompromising in the mouth, with concentrated, well-delineated mineral and floral flavors dominating in the early going. Finishes with serious but fine-grained tannins and lovely floral persistence. Serious, firm and built to age. [Stephen Tanzer, 01/01/2016]

Burghound – 94

(Don’t miss! Outstanding) A discreet application of wood is present on the exceptionally spicy nose of equally pure, cool and airy extract of red and dark berry fruit, violet and Asian-style tea aromas. There is good size and weight to the tautly muscled but suave, intense and detailed medium weight plus flavors that are underpinned by firm tannins and evident minerality on the succulent and mouth coating finish. This is perhaps a bit richer than it normally is at this early stage and should be approachable a bit earlier than usual but overall 2014 is a fantastic vintage for the Drouhin PM. Highly recommended. [15/04/2016]