Grand Cru Wine Merchants

(80% chardonnay and 20% pinot noir; disgorged April, 2008) Yellow-gold with a strong bead. Oak-spiced orchard and tropical fruit flavors are complemented by notes of tarragon and smoked meat. Showing its oak today and offering sweet pear and pineapple flavors underscored by zesty minerals. The smoky note returns on the finish, which is broad and very spicy. This gained complexity with air and also sucked up the wood element, suggesting that it will reward at least a few more years of patience. -92pts IWC