2014 Vosne-Romanée Premier Cru Les Chaumes

Vinous
Full, bright medium red. Aromas of raspberry, black cherry and menthol are complemented by an element of sweet oak. Sweet but tightly wound; in fact, this wine is currently dominated by its tannic backbone. No shortage of flavor intensity here but I find it tough going today. Méo told me that he always considered his Chaumes to be a gentle wine and thought it needed more structure. So he vinified a high-acid 0. 5-hectare parcel together with a 1. 5-hectare site that normally produces a sweet, supple, elegant style, rather than waiting to make the blend prior to the bottling. Today I find something a bit raw to the tannins. Will they soften during the final months of élevage? - Stephen Tanzer, Jan. 2016

Allen Meadows' Burghound
Once again there is a discreet but not invisible application of wood setting off the very Vosne-like nose of Asian-style tea, sandalwood, violet, dark berry and a lovely mix of spice elements. The spiciness continues onto the supple and seductively textured medium-bodied flavors that culminate in a delicious and lingering finish. This isn't as concentrated as the Boudots and it's not quite as structured either but it is certainly pretty and should drink well sooner. - Allen Meadows, Jan. 2016