2/00. Bought at the winery, Apr-96 for $40.
My favorite Ponsot wine from a difficult [read - diluted] vintage.
I have tasted this wine twice before, and I remember being surprised at the complexity and charm it demonstrated in spite of being made in a much-maligned year.
COLOR: Medium-light ruby. Looks a bit watery with wide clearing towards the rim.
NOSE: Very distinct and complex 'Bourgogne Nose'. A bit rustic at first but turned into a fine display of flowery and fruity aromas as soon as the sulphuric elements evaporated.
TASTE: Very tasty and quite impressive considering the vintage. Breed and depth are immediately apparent though no real concentration is. On the palate there can be no mistake. This is a Grand Cru (B) even though it doesn't have the intensity and punch of a better vintage Ponsot CdlR. The vivid, semi-mature fruit, the depth and complexity of the secondary flavors, the silkiness of its texture - all attest to the ability of the old roots of these Vielles Vignes to bring up lots of goodies into the grapes.
LENGTH: Moderately long and very pleasant aftertaste.
TEXTURE & BALANCE: Not a light wine even though its constitution is. Classic proportions between fruit, acidity, alcohol and the receding tannins. Fine grip and smooth texture with only a tad of dryness in the finish.
OVERALL: Fine. Cannot be compared to a great year Ponsot Clos de la Roche, but impressive effort in a difficult vintage. Close to its peak now.

MARK: 17.5/20.

BUY MORE? Yes.

Reach Me? yak@yakshaya.com

Copyright 1996-2003.
Jacob "Yak" Shaya.