Francois Lamarche La Grande Rue Grand Cru 2013 (750ML)

97 WA / 17+ JR

Tasted blind at the Burgfest tasting in Beaune, the 2013 La Grande Rue Grand Cru has a backward and broody bouquet, very complex with hints of woodland, damp earth and fern filtering through the tightly wound red fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with supple and very fine, almost filigree tannins. The acidity is beautifully judged here -- very focused and refined, seamless towards the sophisticated finish. This is one of the best vintages of La Grand Rue that I have tasted, which is a considerable achievement given that this was not an exemplary growing season. Tasted September 2016. Neal Martin

Monopole. Mid crimson and if anything, slightly paler than the Clos de Vougeot. Relatively rich and satisfying on the nose which is definitely of grand cru quality. Quite wild and wayward in an interesting but unconventional way. Keeps reminding me of gypsy-cream biscuits in its sweet and spicy way. Some herbs in there too. Far from suave but there’s a lot packed in. Jancis Robinson