WTN: Joseph Drouhin Beaune Clos des Mouches 1996

[David Lole]

Transluscent medium-ruby with plenty of rust in the outer edges. Pronounced white meniscus. Heavenly perfumed bouquet of pinot sap, sour cherry and plum, a little sous bois, truffles, spice box and beautifully integrated savoury oak. Silky light- to medium-bodied palate with similarly etched fruit backed by the vintage thumbprint of elevated, but in this case, not overblown, acidity and fine-grained, sympathetic tannins. Finishes soft and long with a delicacy I enjoy with this winestyle. Excellent and definitely worth of a look now but should last/improve for many years to come. Went brilliantly with the most succulent marinated free range/drug-free chook slow-cooked in the Weber.

[Robin Garr]

Oh, wow ... thanks for breaking all our stereotypes about Aussies sitting around eating burnt kangaroo meat on sticks and swilling cheap Shiraz ...

[Otto]

Thanks David! This is consistently one of the greatest 1er Crus around. But has anyone tasted any other producer's CdM? All one ever hears about is Drouhin! I've not had this vintage but the 2000 and the 1990 are among the most pleasurable wines I've recently had.

Otto

[Bill Hooper]

I know it's not a Monopole, but I think Drouhin owns far and away the largest share of the Clos des Mouches. I've recently become a fan of the CDM blanc and know that besides Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, there is a relatively large Pinot Gris (Beurot) planting still around. I know it's traditional practice to throw a little PG in with the PN on this site, but has anyone ever tasted a straight PG from CDM? I think an experimental bottle here and there would be interesting.

Prost!
-Bill

[Sue Courtney]

Transluscent medium-ruby with plenty of rust in the outer edges. Pronounced white meniscus. Heavenly perfumed bouquet of pinot sap, sour cherry and plum, a little sous bois, truffles, spice box and beautifully integrated savoury oak. Silky light- to medium-bodied palate with similarly etched fruit backed by the vintage thumbprint of elevated, but in this case, not overblown, acidity and fine-grained, sympathetic tannins. Finishes soft and long with a delicacy I enjoy with this winestyle. Excellent and definitely worth of a look now but should last/improve for many years to come. Went brilliantly with the most succulent marinated free range/drug-free chook slow-cooked in the Weber.

Sounds delicious David. Drouhin Clos des Mouches has been a longtime favourite. I like the way they age too and wonder if the voluptuous upfront new world pinot will have this aging capability. Time will tell, I guess.

[James Dietz]

The 1998 was my epiphany wne... I shared my last bottle with Jenise... who better to appreciate it!!!