1992 Beaune Cent Vignes

The succulent 1992 Beaune Cent Vignes is filled with charm and suppleness. The toasty vanillin, jammy black-cherry, and floral scents leap from the glass, enveloping the olfactory senses. The wine possesses great fruit, beautiful texture, and a layered, concentrated, marvelously pure personality. It is soft enough to be drunk, but should age well for 10-15 years. Quite mouthfilling, this is a terrific example of a Beaune premier cru. Wines such as the ones I have reviewed from Mademoiselle Choppin are of such high quality and reasonable prices that one's faith in Burgundy is restored. For the first time, Mademoiselle Choppin did a severe crop thinning. In addition, she increased the percentage of new oak casks to 60% and, most importantly, bottled all of her wines without fining or filtration. The results are beautiful expressions of her glorious vineyards. These 1992s are the best wines Mademoiselle Choppin has ever made, including her 1990s. For that reason, I do not think they will last long on retailers' shelves. They all possess 10-15 years of aging potential, as well as the richest, most complete flavors I have tasted from Cote de Beaune wines. Importer: Robert Kacher Selections, Washington, DC; tel. (202) 832-9083.