The 2009 Monthelie Cuvee Claire is a selection from selected parcels within Newman’s vineyard. The Cuvee Claire was made with 80% stems and aged in 100% new oak, all of which the wine has absorbed with magnificent grace. It, too, is an explosive wine graced with superb definition in its aromas and flavors. The Cuvee Claire is more tannic than the straight Monthelie, yet also possesses more inner sweetness and length. The differences are more stylistic than qualitative. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019. Domaine Newman is one of the more interesting stories I have come across in Burgundy. For several decades American proprietor Chris Newman lost full control of his family’s vineyards, including the crown jewel parcels in Bonnes-Mares and Mazis-Chambertin. A few years ago Newman reclaimed those vineyards and began focusing on organic farming and making high quality wines. It will take some time for the vineyards, especially the grand crus, to recover from several decades of industrial farming, but the wines I tasted from more recently purchased vineyards Newman has fully controlled for longer are very promising, including two spectacular Monthelies. Newman sold a parcel in Latricieres-Chambertin to buy his vineyard in Monthelie, which sounds crazy?until you taste the wines. Savvy readers will want to focus on the mid-level wines, which is where the real excitement lies, at least today.Importer: Michael Skurnik Wines, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300