1988 Clos de la Roche VV Assortment Case (1997-2002)
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Tasting notes
Jean-Marie Ponsot most likely made the 1988 Clos de la Roche Cuvée Vieilles Vignes Grand Cru as Laurent suffered a serious car accident this year. It has a reserved bouquet, opening gradually in the glass with scents of dark berry fruit, licorice and freshly-rolled tobacco. Very classic and unashamedly old-school Burgundy. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins framing lightly spiced red fruit. With more pepper towards the finish than other vintages, this is still a little tannic and ferrous on the finish, yet fresh and engaging. Tasted at Ponsot's 150th anniversary vertical at the Domaine.
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Neal Martin
William Kelley, Wine Advocate
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From a vintage that is something of an insider's choice today, the 1988 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru Cuvée Vieilles Vignes offers up aromas of plums, red berries, rose petals, violets, incense and sweet forest floor. Medium to full-bodied, supple and seamless, with melting tannins and a perfumed, licorice-inflected finish, this vibrant, sensual wine has aged with real grace, and it's liable to overshadow the more famous 1990 today.
About the producer
Domaine Ponsot is one of the most well-known estates in the Côte de Nuits, famed for owning three of the original four hectares of the Clos de la Roche Grand Cru. The legendary domaine also produces another nine Grand Cru cuvées.