I was recently reading the new one with Carmelo on the cover and a feature on 2018 burgs. I was struck by how off the vintage chart seems vis-a-vis collector perceptions. Am I missing something? I view 2010 as a top notch structured vintage that is head and shoulders above the others here except possibly 2009. These ratings just seem out of whack and, although I’ve never viewed WS as having the pulse of more serious enthusiasts, it’s surprising.
Cotes de Nuits Reds
2017 94 Drink or hold Balanced, fresh and approachable wines with purity; the best have the structure to age 20 years
2016 97 Drink or hold Fresh, juicy and elegant, revealing dark fruit flavors; spring frosts drastically reduced yields in some areas
2015 98 Drink or hold Spring rains offset the hot, dry summer, resulting in lush and ripe yet balanced reds at all levels
2014 95 Drink or hold Juicy cherry and berry flavors, with freshness and tension; lower alcohol. The best have added depth and energy
2013 92 Drink or hold Low yields resulted in crisp, light-bodied Pinot Noirs with vibrant acidity and ripe fruit flavors
2012 95 Drink or hold Dense, concentrated reds, with pure fruit, elegance and freshness; the best should age very well
2011 91 Drink or hold Elegant, perfumed wines, with vibrant acidity, pure fruit and juicy textures for near- to medium-term enjoyment
2010 94 Drink or hold Ripe fruit and tannins, with vivid acidity; vibrant, charming reds with balance and focus
2009 95 Drink or hold Charming and fluid, with ripe, pure fruit; some wines soft, overripe, for early drinking
Cotes de Beaune Reds
2017 93 Drink or hold A good crop following the previous vintage’s frost; fruity, balanced and charming reds
2016 94 Drink or hold The best are better than 2015, but tiny yields where frost hit; elegant and expressive, vibrant and juicy
2015 95 Drink or hold Ripe and fleshy, with some assertive tannins in the wines from areas where hail struck the previous three vintages
2014 92 Drink or hold Third consecutive year of hail resulted in low yields, yet the best are complex, juicy and ageable
2013 89 Drink or hold A more challenging harvest due to hail, with tiny yields in the affected areas and some wines with dry tannins
2012 91 Drink or hold Less consistency than Côte de Nuits due to hail, resulting in less harmony and finesse overall, with some surprises
2011 90 Drink or hold Open and charming wines, full of pure aromas and flavors of red fruits and spice
2010 91 Drink or hold Fruity, ripe and vibrant; more rain than Côte de Nuits, so quality is less consistent
2009 93 Drink or hold Charming and fluid, with ripe, pure fruit; some wines soft, overripe for early drinking