The Wine Animal Verdict: This Pinot Noir is a creature of captivating seduction and underlying power, a Premier Cru from a highly prized vineyard in Vosne-Romanée crafted with exceptional finesse. It's not an overt display of force, but a graceful and persistent allure, offering a harmonious blend of vibrant red and dark fruit, delicate floral notes, and a silken texture that speaks of prime terroir and masterful winemaking. This wine whispers of its prestigious origin with an elegant and lingering voice.
What's in the Cage:
Aux Malconsorts" is widely considered one of the top Premier Cru vineyards in Vosne-Romanée, often mentioned in the same breath as Grand Cru sites due to its exceptional quality and location bordering La Tâche. Jean-Marie Fourrier is a celebrated producer known for his minimal intervention approach, allowing the purity of the fruit and the nuances of the terroir to shine through. 1 The 2020 vintage in Burgundy is highly regarded, offering a beautiful balance of ripeness and acidity. Expect careful handling of the fruit, natural fermentation, and aging in high-quality French oak to enhance the wine's inherent elegance and aging potential.
Tasting Notes:
On the prowl, the nose is expressive and alluring:
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Vibrant Red and Dark Fruit: Expect aromas of fresh raspberry, wild strawberry, and black cherry, displaying the vintage's vibrancy and purity.
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Delicate Floral Hints: Perfumed notes of violet and rose petals add a layer of aromatic complexity and elegance.
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Subtle Spice Intrigue: Delicate hints of spice, such as cinnamon or clove, can further enhance the aromatic profile.
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Silken Oak Integration: Any oak influence will be seamlessly integrated, providing structure and subtle vanilla notes without masking the terroir's delicate expression.
The palate is where this creature shows its seductive charm and underlying strength:
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Silken Texture: The wine glides across the palate with a remarkably smooth and elegant mouthfeel.
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Focused Acidity: A vibrant acidity provides lift and freshness, ensuring a long and beautifully balanced finish.
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Complex Flavors: The palate echoes the nose with pure red and dark fruit flavors, delicate floral nuances, and a subtle mineral undertone.
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Refined Tannins: The tannins will be fine-grained and beautifully integrated, providing structure without any harshness.
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Long and Perfumed Finish: The finish should be persistent and elegant, with the fruit, floral notes, and a hint of minerality lingering beautifully.
Who's it For: This Pinot Noir is for the discerning Burgundy enthusiast who appreciates elegance, complexity, and the nuanced expression of top Premier Cru terroir. It appeals to those who seek a wine with both immediate charm and the potential for graceful aging.
Pairing Power: This sophisticated Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with:
- Roasted game birds, such as duck or quail.
- Delicate red meat dishes, like roasted veal or pigeon.
- Dishes with earthy elements, such as mushroom or truffle.
- Fine cheeses.
The Bottom Line: The Jean-Marie Fourrier 2020 Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru "Aux Malconsorts" is a captivating and beautifully crafted Burgundy that exemplifies the elegance and finesse of this revered vineyard. It offers a harmonious combination of vibrant fruit, delicate floral notes, a silken texture, and a graceful structure, making it a truly exceptional and memorable Pinot Noir.
