Domaine Gros Frère et Soeur, Vosne-Romanée, Burgundy, France, 2017

Overview of the Wine
The name 'Gros' is particularly ubiquitous in Vosne-Romanée where, following the splitting up of Jean Gros' large vineyard holdings between his four children in 1964, there are now multiple domaines operating under the Gros name. Domaine Gros Frère et Soeur is one of the most significant of these domaines, being formed of the amalgamation of two inheritances, and includes Grand Cru vines in Clos Vougeot, Echezeaux and Richebourg. The wines are amongst Burgundy's richest and most extracted, with plenty of heft and intense fruit character to stand up to extensive use of new oak. Bernard Gros replanted a large part of his holdings in the 1980s and it will be very exciting to see how good the wines become as the vineyards continue to mature. For many years, Bernard Gros declassified his parcel of Echezeaux and Vosne “Chaumes” Premiers Cru into the village level Vosne Romanee, which made it one of the best values around. Now that there are enough high quality grapes coming from those vineyards, however, Bernard will make an Echezeaux and Vosne “Chaumes” every year. Value hunters shouldn’t be too disappointed though as some of the grapes from Echezeaux and “Chaumes” will be declassified into the new Vosne Romanee Premiers Cru (no vineyard designate) as well as the village Vosne. While the wines of Gros Frere definitely reflect the character of each vineyard, they are made in a distinct style. They are very ripe, intensely concentrated and aged in relatively high percentages of new, high toast oak barrels. The toast imparts a nice spicy character which is well balanced by the intense fresh fruit flavors.

Grape / Blend
Pinot Noir

Origin
Burgundy, France

Tasting Notes
We are in the Côte de Nuits area, where Pinot Noir grapes, of which this wine is entirely composed, grow on clayey and mineral soils and are characterized by great finesse. Ruby red in color, it expresses a bouquet of small red fruits, strawberry and cherry, against a background of spices, leather and licorice. The taste is enveloping and good to drink, fresh, with well-blended tannin. Pleasant to drink even now, in a few years it can be tasted in full potential and harmony.

93 Points - James Suckling 
This is very concentrated, with loads of ripe berries. Full-bodied with round tannins and lots of fruit on the finish. Needs time to come around, but already impressive. Try after 2024.

Product size: 750ml