1999 Beaune Clos des Ursules

Impressive dark red. Alluring aromas of raspberry, cherry, mocha, graphite, coffee and soy sauce (Frédéric Barnier noted that many of Jadot's 1999 crus from the Côte de Nuits are less evolved the its wines from the Côte de Beaune). Wonderfully sweet and concentrated, but firm and full of life as well, showing outstanding density and thickness for Beaune wine. Strong soil and saline mineral notes overshadow the wine's underlying fruit today but this wine's size and structure suggest that it's at the beginning of a fairly long period of peak drinkability. Finishes with serious fine-grained tannins and superb persistence.

The medium to dark ruby-colored 1999 Beaune Clos Des Ursules (domaine) offers a delectable rose, blackberry, black currant, and violet-scented nose. Medium-bodied and ample, this broad, harmonious, juicy cherry-filled wine has excellent depth and balance. It is delineated, refined, and pure. Projected maturity: 2003-2008. Importer: Kobrand, Inc., New York, NY; tel. (212) 490-9300.

Quite dark with ripe, relatively forward aromas of crushed berries and a trace of oak. This has a wonderful mouth feel to go with refined, silky tannins and a classy delivery of precise, elegant flavors and excellent length. As usual, a first rate effort. Allen Meadows, Burghound, Apr01,2001.