Wine: 1999 Vosne-Romanée "Aux Malconsorts"

Producer: Domaine Sylvain Cathiard (Vosne-Romanée)

Comment: Malconsorts is one of the most underrated among the premiers crus of Vosne-Romanée though ironically enough, it is in actuality one of the very best of all in a village where almost every vineyard is especially gifted. So why does the vineyard have such a lousy reputation? Simply stated, because Malconsorts has a number of under performing owners, few of who make the most of this wonderful terroir. Happily, there are a few who do make first class examples and Domaine Cathiard is one of them. This '99 offers wonderfully spicy yet subtle aromas of black fruit, hoisin and soy that give way to rich, seductive flavors and prominent but ripe tannins. As sexy as the wine is at the moment, what really sets this apart from the merely very good is the tremendous depth and superb length. To be sure, this is in a somewhat more reserved style than many 99s currently display and it is certainly less forward yet it should prove to be an outstanding cellar candidate because of its exceptional balance. A really lovely, understated Malconsorts that fulfils all of the promise I saw from barrel last November. 92/2007-15

U.S. Importer: Esquin Imports (A Becky Wasserman Selection)

Suggested Price: $80 (you can expect to pay $60 to $90)

Important Note: Burghound.com has no financial relationship of any kind with Domaine Cathiard or with Esquin Imports.

Each week we feature a different Burgundy. While there will be a mix of vintages, most wines featured will be those that can normally be found at a variety of fine wine retailers. Each wine will be described and rated with a suggested window of peak drinkability indicated after the numerical score. Prices shown are estimated retail in the U.S., but prices do of course vary widely depending on the retailer.