2007 Joseph Drouhin, Beaune Premier Cru, Le Clos des Mouches Rouge 1x3L

Robert Parker 89

The Drouhin 2007 Beaune Clos des Mouches suggests strawberry rhubarb in its sweet-tart alternation, which I find alluring although I would have expected it in a 2008 rather than a 2007. Nutmeg, smoked meats, damp bark, and peat lend interest, and while this is rather opaque when compared with the 2008 rendition, it boasts satisfying persistence of sweet fruit. Perhaps its personality will focus more with time in bottle, but I am betting against that and would plan on following it for 6-8 years. a oe2008 was very slow in doing its malolactic " which was good, and ended up with a pretty lively impression of aciditya remarked Veronique Boss-Drouhin, a oeand I think the wines will be slow to evolve in bottle, as well.a Numerous cuvees were still in tank or barrel when I visited in March, which constitutes an unusually late schedule at this address. The 2007s, by contrast, were bottled even earlier than normal, most at age 12 months. In 2008, a 15-25% share of stems and whole clusters was included in the fermenting vat for the Clos des Mouches and for most of the Drouhin grand crus, whereas in 2007 that degree of vendange entier was practically the rule across the entire Drouhin range (by no means all of which I tasted). Importer: Dreyfus-Ashby & Co., New York, NY; tel. (212) 818-0770 [David Schildknecht, 29/06/2010]

Anticipated maturity: 2010-2018

Vinous 92+

(along with the Montrachet, this was the last 2007 to be bottled) Smoky minerality and musky dried herbs dominate the nose. Rich, round, spicy and full, with lovely harmonious sweetness in a rather powerful style. Still youthfully closed today, showing more minerality than fruits and flowers. Finishes with an almost tannic quality reminiscent of Corton-Charlemagne. A very promising vintage for this bottling. [Stephen Tanzer, 09/01/2009]