Etienne Sauzet, Montrachet other_regions The 2004 Ricolma (100% Merlot)

The 2004 Ricolma (100% Merlot) possesses stunning aromatics and layers of blackberry liqueur

with sweet apricot fruit nicely balanced by ripe but understated acidity

This is very Corton in character and should age accordingly

Coming from a single parcel of high density vines in the Bearwallow Vineyard in Anderson Valley

Good acidity gives the palate length and finesse

Etienne Sauzet, Montrachet other_regions The 2004 Ricolma (100% Merlot)(made from purchased must sourced from Domaine Thnard, whose vines are on the Chassagne side; aged in two thirds new oak; only two barrels produced in 2016). This is sufficiently reduced that the nose is tough to properly assess. The broader shouldered flavors possess an almost painful intensity with plenty of muscle and mouth coating sap that manages to adequately buffer the slightly warm and youthfully awkward finish. I suspect that this will