Domaine Meo Camuzet, Vosne-Romanee Premier Cru, Aux Brulees 2017

The delicious 2017 Brulées from Méo has classically smoky red and blackberry fruit aromas with a pleasant floral edge and a bit of spice. The texture is surprisingly compact for the vintage, with a tannic grip and reserves of extract that suggest it will age very well. Although it is starting to open now, I suggest another couple of years in the bottle to let it develop. The grapes are from Méo’s nearly three-quarters hectare of ancient vines in this prime location.

Tasted from bottle, Méo's 2017 Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Aux Brûlées lives up to its fine performance from barrel last year, bursting with expressive aromas of sweet red berries and plums that mingle with nuances of orange rind, exotic spices, raw cocoa and rose hip. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, supple and velvety, with a deep core, powdery tannins and lively animating acidity, concluding with a long and perfumed finish.

The 2017 Vosne-Romanée Aux Brûlées 1er Cru has quite a complex, cerebral bouquet of mineral-laden dark berry fruit, hints of undergrowth and a subtle wet limestone aroma. The medium-bodied palate offers crisp, slightly chalky tannin, well-judged acidity, moderate depth and a tensile, very focused finish. There is a little strictness at the moment, but I feel it will gain more flesh by the time of bottling. This is extremely promising.