Beaune - Les Cent Vignes		1990	A. Morot

12/96. Acquired from England Sep-95 for $22 (imported for $33 net).
Discussing on the forum the merit - or lack of same - of lower-end (B) I decided to open one of my "lower-end" bottles.
Let there be no mistake! The only parameter this wine is low in is its price. One of the finest 1er Cru from Beaune from a great vintage, made by one of the better Beaune winemaker is no blended Haute-Cote-de-Something. It is however, by comparison to most of my (B) collection, a very moderately priced wine.
COLOR: Reddish red. The color of fresh blood. Thin clearing around the rim.
NOSE: Pure cherries mixed with a beautiful and delicate 'Bourgogne Nose'. This is the first 1990 bottle where I detected any of the familiar and coveted aroma. Usually they are strongly scented of fruit but almost devoid of the famous (B) hallmark. Amazingly complex and developed nose for a youngish Beaune 1er Cru. Superb!
TASTE: Mouth-filling fruity flavors on the palate. Respectably concentrated with good acidity and still noticeable tannins. Perhaps not extremely multi-layered but exceptionally tasty. A happy wine too...
LENGTH: Surprisingly lasting aftertaste, with fruit and tannins mingling at the finish.
TEXTURE & BALANCE: Quite full-bodied for a Cote de Beaune 1er Cru. Not really viscous but plenty of 'wininess'. A lot of fruit, supported by good amount of alcohol, acidity and tannins. Should reach its peak in 2-3 years.
OVERALL: Superb! On par with many much more expansive wines. Who said that there are no bargain (B)?
MARK: 18/20.aaaaaaaaBUY MORE? Yes.

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Copyright 1996-2003.
Jacob "Yak" Shaya.