The 2009 Vosne-Romanee Cuvee Duvault-Blochet is a supple, racy wine. Layers of dark fruit blossom on the palate as this gorgeous, textured wine opens up in the glass. Sweet, silky tannins frame the exquisite finish. The Cuvee Duvault-Blochet is made from a second selection of fruit across all of the Domaine's vineyards in Vosne. In its finest vintages it is a terrific wine that delivers plenty of the winery's signature style at a slightly more accessible price. A recent bottle of the 2006 was striking. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2039.

The historic Domaine de la Romanee-Conti has recently moved offices to a renovated complex in the center of Vosne. Aubert de Villaine compares the 2009s to the 1959s. I will have to take his word for it, as I wasn't even close to being born when those wines were made. De Villaine thinks the 2009s will remain open throughout their lives. Unfortunately I wasn't able to taste the Grands-Echezeaux, Richebourg and Romanee-St. Vivant, as the wines were bottled in the days leading up to my visit. I will report on those wines from bottle later this year. The harvest started on September 10 with Corton and ended on September 19 with the last of the Echezeaux. The 2009s were vinified with 100% whole clusters and aged in 100% new oak barrels.

Importer: Wilson-Daniels, St. Helena, CA; tel. (707) 963-9661