Vosne Romanée Malconsorts Christiane, Domaine de Montille 2013

The 2013 Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru les Malconsorts "Christianne," which I asked to taste directly alongside the regular Malconsorts, has more delineation and precision, more mineralité coming through on the nose, veins of wet limestone and sea spray emerging with time. The palate is also noticeably different with greater tension and focus, a sense if coiled-up energy that is uncommon in this vintage. This surely illustrates the profound effects of terroir: a serious 2013 that should age with style.

**Note: 67% whole clusters**As is often the case this is aromatically quite similar to the regular cuvée except that it is ever-so-slightly spicier and perhaps with a bit more floral influence. There is fine volume, power and punch to the big-bodied and robust flavors that retain a refined mouth feel as the tannins are once again dense but fine plus they are well-buffered by the copious dry extract that imparts a velvety texture to the strikingly long finale. One aspect where this does depart from the normal pattern is that this is noticeably more structured and will thus require a few more years of cellar time. In sum, this is impressive juice with terrific development potential.