Spiced pear-scented, the 2003 Meursault Les Tillets Cuvee Speciale (white) reveals excellent depth, mouth-feel, and length. Loaded with pulp-laden pears, this light to medium-bodied wine has a sensual, silky-textured character. Projected maturity: now-2012. Bravo to Patrick Javillier! A Peter Vezan Selection, Paris fax #011-33-1-42-55-42-93, importers include North Berkeley Imports, Berkeley, CA; tel. (800) 266-6585; also imported by David Shiverick, Langdon-Shiverick, Cleveland, OH; tel. (216) 861-6800; and Wines Ltd., Hanover, MD; tel. (800) 762-0662

The 2002 Meursault Les Tillets Cuvee Speciale offers aromas reminiscent of cold steel, nutmeg, and spices. A beautifully expansive, concentrated, toasty wine, it offers pears, apples, syrupy minerals, and anise in its personality. Its finish is slightly compressed, which prevented a more exalted review. Drink it over the next 6 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

Having spent more time on its lees than the regular bottling, the 2001 Meursault Les Tillets Cuvee Speciale has developed a fuller, more complete personality. Its exceedingly spicy nose leads to a fresh, lush character composed of flower-laced pears. Light to medium-bodied, it lacks the length of Javillier’s best 2001s. Projected maturity: now-2006. 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 reductive 1999 Meursault Les Tillets "Cuvee Speciale" reveals loads of depth to its creamy white fruit and mineral-flavored character. A medium-bodied, well-focused, fat 1999 with admirable length, it should expand even more and evolve into an excellent, potentially outstanding wine. Drink it over the next 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.

Like many 1998s, the Meursault Les Tillets "Cuvee Speciale" possesses a yellowish color. It displays creamy white fruit scents, as well as a broad, plump, yet light-to-medium-bodied character. Pears, candied lemons, zesty limes, and hints of apricots are found in this focused effort. It should be consumed 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.