1999 Latricieres Chambertin

The 1999 Latricières-Chambertin Grand Cru is a classic example of the old-school Faively style, still in its infancy despite almost two decades in the cellar. With aeration, the wine offers up aromas of cassis, rich soil, subtle grilled meat and pencil shavings, followed by a medium to full-bodied, richly tannic palate with good depth at the core, great balance and a harmonious, albeit virile, finish. Everything is in harmony; all this needs is another 10 years of bottle age. Anyone tempted to pull corks now should consider decanting, though I would be inclined to simply open 12 hours in advance to avoid the loss of bottle bouquet that more aggressive aeration would entail.