Aromatically demure, the 2001 Vosne-Romanee Aux Brulees bursts on the palate with toasty spices and massively flavorful, jammy red cherries. Medium-bodied and satin-textured, this wine is both sexy and elegant. Its fresh, pure flavors linger throughout its long, suave finish. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2011. According to Jean-Nicolas Meo, this estate’s director and winemaker, “2001 is a good vintage, more strict and severe than 1999 and 2000, with more acidity and bite, less fat, and more austere. It has good cellaring potential because the balance of the wines is excellent.” Meo’s 2001s were particularly successful, with fleshy, fruit-filled personalities. For the most part, the firm, rustic tannin found in many of his colleagues’ 2001s (the majority of which are not recommended) was not detected in any of his offerings. That may be because Meo waited longer to harvest (as he states), extracted more delicately, or because he’s one of the few Burgundians to stir the lees of his reds (which builds flesh)... or a combination of the three. Importer: Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, Berkeley, CA; tel. (510) 524-1524

Beautiful, supple, harmonious--a seducer of a wine. Medium-bodied, with flowers, blackberries, cherries and raspberries--a lovely Pinot combo. Pleasant finish. Drink now through 2007. 175 cases made. -PM