The 2009 Charmes-Chambertin needs quite a bit of time in the glass to come together. Initially quite ripe and exotic, the Charmes gradually finds its balance. Still, my sense is that the wine has begun to shut down. Sweet red cherries, mint and flowers meld into the gracious finish. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2029.
This is a very strong set of wines from Romain Taupenot. The 2009s are quite marked by the year. Today my preference is for the 2010s because the cooler year balanced some of the more overt, fruit-forward leanings that define the house style. Tasting all of the 2009s and 2010s together really brought the qualities of these two very different vintages into focus.
Importers: Winebow, Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620, Imported by Scott Paul Wines, Carlton, OR; tel. (503) 852 7300; J.A.O. Wine Imports, McLean, VA; contact@jaowineimports.com