2022 Domaine Joseph Drouhin Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru "Les Petits Monts"

The 2022 Vosne-Romanée Les Petits Monts 1er Cru, which had recently been racked from tank into barrel, was picked in a single day on September 2. This has a beguiling bouquet, the 35% whole clusters assiduously used, hints of white pepper and clove infusing the red berry fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy, mainly black fruit, quite peppery in style, though it does not impede the terroir expression. There is very fine precision on the finish with impressive length; this is an excellent Petit-Monts. (Drink between 2026-2044)

This is also exuberantly spicy and quite floral as well with its blend of exotic tea, red and dark raspberry, soy and sandalwood scents. The sleek, delicious and solidly concentrated medium-bodied flavors possess both a taut muscularity and evident minerality while culminating in a powerful and strikingly long finish. This beautifully balanced effort is a Petits Monts of grace and class. (Drink starting 2034)