Once again reduction overshadows the fruit. As one would reasonably expect the mouth feel of the middle weight flavors is markedly finer but even so the moderately austere mineral-infused finale is quite serious. I especially like the sense of underlying tension and this should reward 6 to 8 years of bottle age.

A touch of wood spice frames ripe but relatively high-toned aromas of essence of red pinot fruit but there are also notes of cassis, black cherry and anise present. Here too the mid-palate is quite supple as the fine-grained tannins impart a sophisticated mouth feel to the very pure and lengthy finish. A quality villages that is worth considering.