WTN: Domaine de la Bongran Cuvee Tradition Vire Clesse 2003

To give the full name: Domaine de la Bongran Cuvee Tradition EJ Thevenet Quintaine Vire Clesse 2003 - Light yellow/green. Nose has an indistinct spice note and is slightly hot - perhaps a reflection of the 14% alcohol. Spiciness is carried on to the palate. There is a rusticity to this wine. It's not really rough but seems slightly unpolished. Quite dry, with a cleansing acidity. There doesn't seem to be any wood influence in this. Citrus rind bitterness on the moderately long finish. Drink now. Good but expensive.

A legendary producer in the Maconnais... Uses over ripe, sometimes partially botrytized grapes to produce wines with high alcohol and lots of body. Their cuvée botrytis is the only burgundian dessert wine I've run into so far, and is terrific. The whites have lots of personality, but not so much tipicity.

See also Otto's recent note on the 2002 vintage of this wine