Vosne Romanee Orveaux, Domaine Sylvain Cathiard 2012

**Note: 55+ year old vines**
A perfumed and altogether beguiling nose features notes of black pinot fruit, cherry, cassis, violet and a plethora of spice nuances. There is an ultra-refined mouth feel to the fleshy and generous medium weight flavors that possess a seductive texture before culminating in a balanced and harmonious finish. This is not as mineral-driven or persistent as the Reignots but it's not far off.

Tasted blind at the annual "Burgfest" tasting in Beaune. The 2012 Vosne Romanée 1er Cru En Orveau was showing a bit of VA on the nose, although it merely lifts the kirsch and cassis fruit. It bit gaudy perhaps? The palate is medium-bodied with sweet, slightly oaky entry, lower acidity than its peers, generous and smooth but missing complexity and nuance on the finish. It gives easy-drinking pleasure, but unlike when I tasted this from barrel, I am less convinced that it merits long-term cellaring.

The 2012 Vosne-Romanee 1er Cru En Orveaux comes from 60-year old vines in a 0.30-hectare parcel. It has more red than black fruit on the nose, with touches of fig developing in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with a very supple entry. It is sewn with fine acidity and it segues into gorgeous dark cherry and spice-tinged finish that fans out with confidence and conviction. This is very enticing - one to set the bloodhounds out to track down and bring home to master (or mistress.)