1999 Domaine Rene Engel, Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru 1×1.5L

Robert Parker 91

The 1999 Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru is a good but not great Engel wine since it displays all the tropes of the vintage rather than the vineyard. There is no hanging about on the nose with upfront, almost garish ripe (over-ripe?) strawberries and red cherries, a little smudged, more opulent vis Engel’s other wines from the period. The palate is balanced and voluminous with layers of succulent, ripe fruit–kirsch and wild strawberry, hints of blue fruit towards the finish. There is impressive weight, but there is a sense of heaviness here that detracts from the finesse and composure. Enjoyable but not intellectual. Tasted January 2017. [Neal Martin, 09/28/2017]

Anticipated maturity: 2017-2030