I’ve wanted to try La Grande Rue for years.  If you look at a map of Vosne Romanee, this vineyard has La Tache on the west, and La Romanee and Romanee Conti on the east.  These are three of the most expensive, and special burgundies (and wines) in the world.    This hasn’t ever been in the same price league.  Given how much we liked the 97 Echezeaux from the same producer, and we’re opening a great bottle every night of our vacation so far, I thought we’d give this a try.

Muted aromatics.  At first I thought the bottle might be bad.  Coming back after an hour it improved.  Now after 2 hours it is singing.    Insane pinot sap.  The palate is a magical blend of mushrooms, pine, and lots of spice, like cinnamon, and nutmeg.  Delicate and precise, but with a sneaky long finish.  Woodsy from the ‘97 vintage, but unlike the Echezeaux, this has a few more years to go before it is mature.  Jill says dark chocolate candied orange rind with dusty coco, ash and dusty petals.  She says A.

I paid $47, I really wish I could get more at this price.    Grade: A.