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| Burgundy 2001: A Year Overlooked |
Top 10 from 2001
Paul Wasserman
02/02/2004
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The Last of Its Breed
Maison Bouchard Pere et Fils, La Romanée
A collector’s dream, given that this is the last vintage to have been made by Regis Forey before the vineyard was taken back by the young and talented Louis-Michel Liger-Belair. Their striking differences in respective styles definitely make this bottling the last of its breed. Liger-Belair will, without a doubt, propel this vineyard back to superstardom with his more forward style. Layers of gentle oak smoothly blend flowers and spice. The wine is focused, tight and sleek with the signature austerity of the Forey touch. The length is extraordinary, as though the winemaker was tracing the lines of a gorgeous boat for his au revoir.
The Overachiever
Domaine Rene Engel, Grands-Echezeaux
Philippe Engel’s structural blockbuster gets the prize for sheer density. The muscular tannins and excellent acidity combine to create a ferrous mid-palate, almost like a mouthful of iron, yet the structure is smothered with lush, generous and already unabashedly flamboyant ripe fruit. This wine will age for a very long time—a feat that Engel’s wines seem to pull off effortlessly.
The Newcomer
Domaine de la Vougeraie, Clos de Vougeot
This is only the third vintage for Vougeraie, but the estate is already one of the best in Burgundy. Winemaker Pascal Marchand puts such meticulous care into the process that one need not be concerned if it beats you up a little in its youth; after all, so does Chateau Latour. The 2001 Clos de Vougeot has a closed nose with an interplay of smoked meats, iron, cloves and roses. The attack is most seductive, sweet and silky. The wine then tightens like a vise with tremendously powerful tannins of brilliant quality. This huge vineyard does not always deliver grand cru caliber; still, this example leaves no doubt as to Clos de Vougeot’s aristocratic status.
The Synergist
Domaine Jean Grivot, Richebourg
Every year in Burgundy, a couple of vineyards seem to find the perfect harmony between the character of the vintage and the character of the specific vineyard. This time around, Etienne Grivot has produced a 2001 that adds detail and precision to Richebourg, while Richebourg adds power and chewiness to the vintage. Stately and plush texture with absolutely stunning depth and sap on the mid-palate, this example is very, very intense, very focused and remarkably balanced, backed by firm but good tannins. The length goes on and on. It is truly great and classic.  Back to main article: Burgundy 2001: A Year Overlooked
Wine for photograph courtesy of Frederick Wildman Imports
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