2001 Domaine Emmanuel Rouget Vosne-Romanée Cros Parantoux 1er Cru

This was the first time that I have tasted the 2001 Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Cros Parantoux, and it did not disappoint. The bouquet explodes from the glass with scents of maraschino, raspberry preserve, cold granite and orange sorbet - very vivacious and brimming over with energy, lending it a youthful persona. Interestingly, it mutates in the glass, becoming more animal-like and almost Northern Rhône-like. The palate is very well balanced with rounded, quite lush red and black fruit married with a keen line of acidity. This Parantoux is all about generosity, layering the mouth with lascivious red fruit all bounded by a tight leash of mineralité and an ash-like note right on the tip of the finish. It will surely be an awesome proposition in a decade's time...if you can wait that long.