Leroy Clos de la Roche Grand Cru 1999 (BH95)

Country: France
Region: Burgundy
Rating: BH95, RP96
Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Type of Wine: Red Wine
Bottle Size: 750ml

Allen Meadows – Burghound 95
Even after 11 years this remains very much a baby but one with superb potential that will need at least another decade to completely unfurl, perhaps even longer. The spicy yet slightly animale nose reminds me more than a little of the Leroy Musigny (see herein) and while it’s not quite as elegant, it’s just as complex. The big, overtly muscular and impressively powerful medium weight plus flavors brim with dry extract that coats the palate and buffers the considerable tannic spine that asserts itself on the explosively long, driving and mouth coating finish. This is still almost painfully intense and even with several hours of aeration it remains a beast though one that is graceful and harmonious. Don’t touch a bottle for at least another 10 years.

By Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate 96
The medium to dark ruby-colored 1999 Clos De La Roche has sweet black cherry, earth, and plum-like aromas. This powerful, intense, meaty wine is filled with plums, blackberries, gelatinous veal stock, and Asian spices. It is pure, muscular, dense, and profound. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2018.