2014 Vosne Romanee Les Suchots

(two of the three barrels were new; these vines are 50 years old; finished its malo relatively early, in May): Bright, dark red. Precise aromas of black raspberry, dark chocolate, licorice and violet; no sign of reduction here. Boasts superb precision and inner-mouth energy to its flavors of dark berries, violet and crushed stone. Stylish and light on its feet, finishing very long and juicy, with youthfully edgy tannins.

The 2014 Vosne Romanée 1er Cru les Suchots has the most Pinoté on the nose of Cathiard's Premier Crus -- wonderful, effervescent red berry fruit, orange peel, blood orange and limestone scents, all detailed and intense. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, with just a touch of toastiness deriving from the new oak, but this has real finesse and tenderness on the finish that is suffused with blood orange and a touch of spice. This is regal.