Aromatically demure, the 2001 Meursault Narvaux is a well-focused, satin-textured wine. Lush, juicy, and plump, it offers pretty spice and pear flavors in its feminine, refined personality. It should also be drunk over the next 5 years. To Patrick Javillier, 2001 was a classic vintage with normal ripeness levels and problem-free fermentations, “I really don’t see where the problems are ... total acidity was in the 5.5 to 6.0 range and finished pHs were between 3.2 and 3.25, it’s all very classic.”

The 2000 Meursault Narvaux is a stone, mineral, and gravel-scented as well as flavored wine. It has excellent grip, focus, and an appealingly pure, long finish. Importers: David Shiverick, Langdon Shiverick, Cleveland, OH; tel. (216) 861-6800, Wines Ltd, Hanover, MD; tel. (800) 762-0662; and a Peter Vezan Selection (Paris Fax # 011-33-1-42654293), importers include: North Berkeley Imports, Berkeley, CA; tel. (510) 848-8910

The 1999 Meursault Narvaux (regular cuvee) displays fresh hazelnut paste aromas. This fat, creamed nut-loaded wine is lively, medium-bodied, and opulently-textured in the mid-palate, yet has a short and somewhat dry finish. It is a very good to excellent wine with harmonious, super-ripe flavors. Drink it over the next 4-5 years. Importers: David Shiverick, Langdon Shiverick, Cleveland, OH; tel (216) 861-6800, Wines Ltd, Hanover, MD; tel (800) 762-0662; and a Peter Vezan Selection (Paris Fax # 011-33-1-42654293), importers include: North Berkeley Imports, Berkeley, CA; tel (510) 848-8910.

The outstanding Meursault Les Narvaux's nose revealed deep richness and ripeness, but it was tight and muted the day I tasted it. Expressive on the palate, this ample, broad, expansive, gorgeously ripe, medium-to-full-bodied, and silky-textured beauty reveals liquid minerals, nuts, tangy lemons and red berries. Complex and armed with an admirable finish, it should be at its peak between 2000 and 2005. What's Javillier's spin on the 1996 vintage? "It has the most perfect balance between body, acid, fruit, extract, and purity in my lifetime." All the "regular cuvees" were bottled in September, 1997. Importers: David Shiverick, Langdon Shiverick, Cleveland, OH; (216) 861-6800, and a Peter Vezan Selection (Paris Fax # 011-33-1-42654293), importers include: North Berkeley Imports, Berkeley, CA; tel (510) 848-8910.