Tasting Notes
Robert Parker 95
The 2008 Richebourg flows with terrific intensity and juiciness in a style that remains on the delicate, floral side for this vineyard. The fruit wraps around the palate with notable persistence and grip all the way through to the finish. This is another classy effort from Bernard Gros. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2033. Importer: Atherton Imports, Menlo Park, CA; tel. (650) 328-6639
Anticipated maturity: 2018-2033
Burghound 93
Domaine Gros Frère et Soeur 2008RichebourgGrand Cru Red 750 ml Score: 93 Tasted: Jan 01, 2011 Drink: 2023+ Issue: 41 Note: from a .7 ha parcel that was partially replanted in 1985 and the remainder in 1989 Producer note: Bernard Gros calls 2009 a “very, very good vintage. Mother Nature spoiled us with very ripe and impeccably clean fruit. I began picking on the 10th of September and brought in a crop that averaged between 13 and 14% potential alcohols. With the clones that my vineyards were planted with in the 1980s, they ripen almost one week earlier than traditionally planted vineyards. I concentrated many of the wines about 5%. Otherwise, the vinification was straightforward as everything was perfectly ripe. I think 2009 is going to be a very popular vintage as there is nothing not to like.” As to the Gros in-bottle ’08s, they have turned out about where my predicted ranges suggested that they would. (Atherton Wine Imports, www.awiwine.com, Atherton, CA; Metro Wine, NY and Stacole Wines, www.stacolewines.com, FL; no sanctioned UK importers). Tasting note: The most elegant nose in the range displays almost invisible wood and superbly complex blue and black pinot fruit liberally laced with notes of hoisin, soy, clove and anise, all of which also appear on the suave, round and opulent well-muscled flavors that are extremely seductive, even velvety on the mouth coating, focused, linear and palate staining finish. The tannins are not as refined as the nose is but overall, this appears to offer excellent potential in a more forward though age-worthy style.
Vinous 87-90
Dullish red. In a disturbed state today, with the aromas and flavors lacking clarity. There’s an enticing sweetness and notes of minerals and cinnamon but also an earthy, mushroomy quality that gives the wine a distinctly wild character. I wanted a bit more grip and primary character. Finishes with edgy, slightly drying tannins. All these wines beginning with the Vosne villages are aged in 100% new barriques
