1999 Clos Vougeot
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Tasting notes
The estate owns a large (over two hectares) parcel of 47-year-old vines in the Clos Vougeot. The 1999 reveals sweet spices and intense black fruits in its aromatics. It is extremely tannic (nearly astringent) and reveals blackberry, herb, and stone flavors. If its fruit can sustain its tannin, as well as the obligatory fining and filtration employed at this estate, this wine will ultimately merit a good review. Projected maturity: 2003-2009. Importer: Weygandt-Metzler, Peter Weygandt, Unionville, PA; tel. (610) 486-0800.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Pierre Rovani
More reviews and scores
Good full red. Somewhat medicinal aromas of cherry, licorice and herbs. Cool and backward, with the medicinal quality carrying through on the palate. Possesses a firm core of spice but finishes with rather tough tannins. Here's a '99 that will not be for early drinking. De Surrel says that this cuvee has become less hard and more stylish over the past ten years as the vines have matured, but I'm not yet convinced that the '99 has as much middle-palate material to support its tannins as the '98 does.
About the producer
Based in Gevrey-Chambertin, this domaine has a long history and impressive vineyards (with over five hectares of Grand Cru), but has long been considered an under-performer. Today, however, the Bouygues brothers (of Montrose and Clos Rougeard) have taken ownership and change is afoot.