La Grande Rue, Domaine Lamarche 2013

Tasted blind at the Burgfest tasting in Beaune, the 2013 La Grande Rue Grand Cru has a backward and broody bouquet, very complex with hints of woodland, damp earth and fern filtering through the tightly wound red fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with supple and very fine, almost filigree tannins. The acidity is beautifully judged here -- very focused and refined, seamless towards the sophisticated finish. This is one of the best vintages of La Grand Rue that I have tasted, which is a considerable achievement given that this was not an exemplary growing season. Tasted September 2016.

Like the Clos de Vougeot there is just enough reduction present to mask the fruit and render a proper assessment of the nose difficult. There is good volume and richness to the mineral-inflected and velvety medium weight flavors that possess solid mid-palate density on the balanced, intense and impressively lengthy finish. I very much like the fine grain to the tannins and this too should amply repay extended keeping yet be approachable after only 6 to 8 years of cellar time.

The 2013 La Grande Rue has a very pure bouquet, quite floral with touches of dried rose petals and small red cherries that are soon overtaken by raspberry preserve, cranberry and gravel scents. The palate is medium-bodied with gently caressing tannin that coat the mouth. This is very intense, very structured but not overwhelming with a saline tang right on the finish. This is one of the best La Grande Rue that I have tasted from barrel. Wonderful.