Joseph Drouhin, Beaune 1er Cru Clos des Mouches Rouge 2010

robert_parker93

Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni

Drouhin's 2010 Beaune Clos des Mouches is a gorgeous wine endowed with considerable depth and richness. Suave tannins provide the backdrop for the fruit in this layered Clos des Mouches. Today the aromas and flavors are a bit reticent; instead it is the wine's texture than stands out most. I will not be surprised if the 2010 ends up considerably better than this note suggests. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029. This is an impressive showing from Drouhin. In my view the 2010s are more interesting and transparent than the 2009s. Veronique Drouhin describes 2010 as a vintage with long-term aging potential, which certainly seems to be the case. Some of the wines were vinified with a portion of whole clusters, including the Corton-Bressandes, Petits-Monts, Charmes and Musigny. Importer: Dreyfus Ashby & Co., New York, NY; tel. (212) 818-0770

robert_parker92

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The 2010 Beaune Clos des Mouches Rouge has an engaging spicy, peppery nose while the palate is vibrant with crisp tannins and displays greater focus than its white namesake this year. Crunchy red fruit in the mouth with a long spicy finish that leaves the mouth tingling. This is an excellent Beaune in possession of the backbone to age. Drink 2014-2022+ It is always a pleasure to meet Veronique Drouhin, although this was actually the first time that I had visited their winery on the southern fringe of Beaune. “All the estate has been under biodynamic practices since the mid-1990s (including Chablis) and organic since 1988,” she said to me as we commenced the tasting. “We have been ECOCERT certified since 2009.” I asked her what tangible difference biodynamics have made. “The estate wines have a lot of depth and energy but what is really better is the pH,” she said. She also cited the arrival of head winemaker Jerome Faure-Brac in 2005 as another reason for the improvement in quality. Now their approach is for no compromise on the fruit and to exact precise viticulture for each vineyard. Veronique told me that their entry level Laforet aims to encapsulate the whole picture of Bourgogne. “We know the wine is consumed young so it is not heavily extracted,” she told me. “We look for a lovely fruity, round, elegant Bourgogne. You know, it is easier to make an Amoureuses than a Burgundy Rouge because of the quantity. It is aged in older barrels and it is bottled sooner than in the past.” Importer: Dreyfus Ashby & Co., New York, NY; tel. (212) 818-0770