Griotte Chambertin, Domaine Claude Dugat 2008

Bright, dark red. Ripe, deep aromas of crushed blackberry, blueberry, licorice and menthol. Silky on entry, then juicy and energetic in the mid-palate, displaying outstanding vivacity to its explosive dark fruit and floral flavors. The sweet oak component on the finish adds to the wine's appeal without dominating its fruit. Offers a superb combination of elegance and thrust. This wonderfully tangy, very long wine leaves the taste buds vibrating.

Tasted out of barrel at the Domaine. A stunning Griottes-Chambertin, although like the Charmes, one has to peer through the reduction on the nose. More tertiary and masculine, medium-bodied on the palate with life-affirming purity and suppleness. Racy acidity, boundless energy with so much freshness and vigour towards the finish, which is struck through with blood orange. Superb. Tasted November 2009.