Roche Bellene, Romanee Saint Vivant other_regions_italy 44 ha parcel of 50+

44 ha parcel of 50+ year old vines)

The old vines are very much in evidence as there is a true abundance of palate soaking dry extract that imparts a velvety mouth feel to the mid-palate and buffers the very firm tannins on the youthfully austere

More polite but superripe aromas of apple and honey

even crystalline flavors that brim with an almost pungent minerality on the powerful

I very much like the impressive complexity but the balance

Roche Bellene, Romanee Saint Vivant other_regions_italy 44 ha parcel of 50+This is actually aromatically similar to the Richebourg at this early stage. While the medium weight flavors also possess solid mid palate concentration and a velvety mouth feel, the supporting tannins are somewhat drying and this tends to cut the finish short. There is a lot of gas present that undoubtedly contributes to the dryness and this is frankly hard to read. Note that my predicted range offers some benefit of the doubt though what is clear is