- A great Grande Année
- Needs a little more time
The 2012 vintage is a picture-perfect Grande Annee: concentrated, full-bodied, with a silky palate but mineral tension and racy acidity. However, it is also finer and less oxidative. With amber, hazelnut, and dried apricot, the elements of micro-oxidation dominate the discreet apple fruit. Smoky, spicy Pinot Noir aromas are also present. With six years on the lees, it was released quite early. It is fresher, even more mineral and slightly less oxidative than many of its predecessors.
La Grande Annee is a cuvée of 65% Pinot Noir, mainly from Ay and Verzenay, and 35% Chardonnay, mainly from Mesnil sur Oger and Oiry. The 2012 vintage is one of those rare years that combine perfect ripeness of the grapes with high acidity levels. 2012 wines are often surprisingly good to drink already. With La Grande Annee, it is worth waiting another five years or so.
