Clos de la Roche, Vieilles Vignes, Grand Cru, 1999

The 1999 Clos de la Roche Cuvée Vieilles Vignes Grand Cru has a generous nose: a mélange of red and black fruit, wild mint and Provençal herbs. There's good depth with a licorice hint emerging with aeration, though it politely remains in the background. The palate is well balanced with impressive depth, demonstrating a little more grip than the 2005, that licorice trait emanating from the warmth of that summer coming through on the mid-palate. Stocky, like many 1999s, yet with ample freshness, though I might be seeking more rondeur on the finish. Drinking perfectly now, though it will keep for at least another decade. Tasted at Ponsot's 150th anniversary vertical at the Domaine.

DRINKING WINDOW 2022 - 2040

date of review 05/2023