Also recommended, but no tasting note given. The Drouhins started early but picked with a level of meticulousness and at a moderate tempo that most growers did not feel they could afford this vintage. Lees contact was passive and the wines were bottled relatively early. The results are universally rich and accessible, the best wines being those that manage to retain clarity and a measure of vivacity as well as to stand up to their components of new wood. Drouhin has tight viticultural control over the numerous parcels that inform their village level wines, even though most of them are not owned. Importer: Dreyfus-Ashby & Co., New York, NY; tel. (212) 818 0770

Ripe, open, apricot and pineapple fruit flavors suffuse this open, generous wine. This is an easy appellation to appreciate, with citrus tastes and vanilla giving a sharp point to the more flattering fruits. Drink now, or keep for another year. Imported by Dreyfus, Ashby & Co. ——R.V.(10/1/2009)—— 87