1995 Domaine Anne Gros Richebourg Grand Cru

“Just as dark as the Clos Vougeot, but even more prodigiously concentrated, the Richebourg is among the blackest and inkiest (both in color and taste) Pinot Noirs I have tasted. Exhibiting sweet Asian spices and grilled black fruits on the nose, this behemoth is a rich, chewy, rugged, silky-textured wine packed with super-ripe, highly-concentrated ripe berries. Possessing impressive depth and structure, this wine may well deserve a higher rating when it has had time to soften out. (PR)” (06/1997)

“Deep red-ruby. Reticent but very ripe aromas of red and black fruits, licorice, truffle and smoke. Fat, suave and multilayered; less immediately sweet than the huge Clos Vougeot but more refined. A complete wine, with an uncanny harmony of components. Finishes with extremely fine tannins that coat the entire mouth. Totally different in shape from the Clos Vougeot: some tasters may prefer that wine for its sheer size and sweetness, but this is superb Richebourg. (ST)” (04/1998)

“While this also shows more than a hint of new wood, there is so much weight and density here that the 95 Richebourg seems to carry the wood effortlessly. Massive aromas of earth, spice, leather and dark berries merge with big, rich yet refined flavors of extraordinary length. Despite the intensity and massive character of both the fruit and flavors, the wine displays impeccable balance. Outstanding potential here and this should enjoy a long and graceful evolution. If the wine continues to add complexity, my score will seem conservative.” (10/2001)