1999 Clos de la Roche Vieilles Vignes Grand Cru
By Ponsot
1999 Clos de la Roche Vieilles Vignes Grand Cru from Ponsot, Burgundy
In the annals of Burgundian majesty, certain vintages rise to the forefront of collectors' minds as exemplars of finesse and endurance. The 1999 Clos de la Roche Vieilles Vignes Grand Cru from Ponsot evokes just such sentiments — a treasure in the realm of fine wine investment. This particular year burgeoned under auspicious conditions: a growing season kissed by providence with an impeccably timed harvest, imparting to this Grands Crus its distinctive character.
Kingdom of Terroir: Investing in Burgundy's Best
Harvested from time-honoured vineyards located within the patchwork splendour of Clos de la Roche, one observes how Ponsot's century-spanning viticultural mastery interplays gracefully with nature's bounty. As the millennium drew to a close, thoughtful vinification gave birth to a vintage that commands attention and respect among discerning investors and aficionados alike.
Lustrous Legacy: Tasting the 1999 Milestone
The 1999 vintage underpins every expectation with a palate lush in structure yet airy in its elegance. A tapestry of dark cherry and ripe raspberry notes intertwines seamlessly with whispers of earthy undertones and subtle spicing — testaments to its prestigious terroir and experienced winemaking. As one decants this liquid artefact, it breathes out layers of complexity only achieved through meticulous ageing; a symphony of taste reaching its crescendo.
The time in bottle has shepherded this Ponsot jewel towards a state of grace that few can rival. Firm tannins have softened without surrender, now presenting an equilibrium between tenacity and suppleness. It is a testament, not only to the quality of the 1999 season but to the enduring legacy of Ponsot's philosophy and precision in crafting wines poised gloriously at maturity's precipice.
In summary, for those who weave the narrative of esteemed collectibles into their portfolios, the 1999 Clos de la Roche Vieilles Vignes Grand Cru from Ponsot stands as a paramount consideration — an investment of sensorial delight enshrined within each well-cellared bottle. Abound with age-worthy prowess, it embodies a vintage whose tapestry is richly garnished with both historical allure and gustatory brilliance.
Market price (GBP)
£6,780.00
12x75cl
Highest score
98
POP score
376.67
Scores and tasting notes
This was a magical bottle of the 1999 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru Cuvée Vieilles Vignes, a wine that's just beginning to hit its stride as it approaches its 20th birthday, unfurling in the glass with aromas of red berries, cassis, dark chocolate, cinnamon, dried rose petals and orange rind. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, deep and immensely concentrated, with a broad attack, lovely acids and a formidable reserve of creamy old-vine fruit, structured around a chalky chassis of tannin that evokes the great old Burgundies of yesteryear. Concluding with a long and expansive finish, this is still a young wine, and another two decades of aging won't be a problem. But it's now clear that this ranks as one of Ponsot's greatest recent hits—and one of the high points of this reputed vintage.
William Kelley - The Wine Advocate, 31 October 2018