The dark ruby-colored Gevrey-Chambertin Combe Aux Moines (whole cluster fermentation was employed on this wine) reveals a deep and amazingly concentrated nose of raspberries and super-ripe cherries. Extraordinarily extracted flavors of blackberries, cassis, cola and Asian spices together with an admirably long finish characterize this full-bodied, husky wine. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2012. This note is the result of tastings I did in Burgundy between January 7 and January 29. The wine was tasted from cask, not bottle. Pinot Noir, a fragile varietal, reacts poorly to fining, filtration, and careless bottling techniques, I recommend caution when considering buying a red burgundy based on cask samples. I called it as I tasted it, and hope the bottled wine reflects the quality of the samples I was provided.A Patrick Lesec Selection (Paris Fax # 011-33-1-42-84-38-22), various American importers.

Laurent's top 1993s are massively concentrated, huge, intense wines that will require 8-10 years of cellaring. In the Cote de Nuits, the Gevrey-Chambertin Combe aux Moines offers an excellent smoky, spicy, herb, and berry-scented nose, powerful, tannic, medium-bodied flavors, fine richness, good length, and considerable tannic clout. Give it 5-6 years of cellaring and drink it over the following 10-12. A Patrick Lesec Selection (Paris fax # 011 33 1 42843822), various American importers