Gevrey Chambertin Lavaut St Jacques Vieilles Vignes Duroche 2017 (750ML)

92-94+ Points, William Kelley, Wine Advocate: "From a parcel planted in 1923 where most of the old vines remain intact, the 2017 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Lavaux Saint-Jacques Vieilles Vignes unfurls in the glass with a complex bouquet of cassis, dark chocolate, loamy soil, grilled squab and warm spices. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, deeper, denser and more reserved than the regular bottling, with a chassis of rich structuring tannin and plenty of fleshy, old vine concentration." 1/19

93 Points, Neal Martin, Vinous Media: "The 2017 Gevrey-Chambertin Lavaut Saint-Jacques Vieilles Vignes 1er Cru, which comes from vines planted in 1923, takes a little time to find its groove, but eventually reveals wonderful blackberry and briary, undergrowth and subtle autumn leaf aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with silky smooth tannins, a fine bead of acidity with a fleshy, open and tensile finish, quite saline on the aftertaste. On this showing, I remain to be convinced that it is inherently superior to the regular cuvée in this vintage. Just three barrels produced." 1/19

90-93 Points, Allen Meadows' Burghound: "There is a whiff of herbal tea to the restrained nose that is composed by notes of poached plum and tea along with wisps of earth, spice and the sauvage. The old vines are in evidence as this is one of the most concentrated wines in the range with terrific punch and a taut muscularity to the middle weight plus flavors, all wrapped in a powerful, stony and sneaky long finale." 1/19

94 Points, Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy: "The vines date from 1938 to 1970. 18 barrels made, so you might even be able to find some of this unlike some of Pierre's cuvées. Fine density of vivid purple. Rich fresh fruit, fills the mouth, yet very finely balanced, not svelte or seductive but just a delicious thread. Exquisite balance. The coolness of the site has kept the tension while the grapes have certainly ripened. Tasted: November 2018." 11/18