A highly successful venture in assemblage by Vincent Girardin is his 2002 Meursault Quintessence de Terroirs Vieilles Vignes. A blend of Casse Tete, Chevalieres, Tessons, Clous, Tillets, and Rougeots, it appears that once again the whole is greater than the sum of the component parts. Its spicy, hazelnut-laced nose leads to a rich, medium-bodied, fleshy personality. Hazelnut nectar, minerals, sap, and fresh pears can be found throughout this well-balanced, concentrated, and deep wine’s character as well as in its long, highly expressive, supple finish. Anticipated maturity: now-2010.
Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; tel. (205) 980-8802. In addition, Vincent Girardin sells many of these same wines under the Baron de la Charriere label to European Cellars, Eric Solomon, New York, NY; tel. (212) 924-4949