Vosne-Romanée, 1er Cru Les Malconsorts, Cuvée Christiane 2018

Jasper Morris 96-98/100

Two thirds whole cluster picked 6th September, not racked. Full central core of purple. The whole bunch component happens to be showing a touch more prominently today, but as ever there is both a more sumptuous and more regal concentration to the fruit, compared to the ‘regular’ Malconsorts. The Cuvée Christiane offers a plump hedonistic glow of royal raspberry fruit. Stunningly sensual, clear grand cru quality

Neal Martin 94-96/100

The 2018 Vosne-Romanée Les Malconsorts Cuvée Christiane 1er Cru contains two-thirds whole cluster but a little more new oak than the regular cuvée (as a reminder, it comes from the parcel that lies adjacent to La Tâche). It has a little more definition and darker fruit on the nose, developing more floral scents with aeration. This is very impressive. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins, focused and harmonious, with gentle grip toward the chalky-textured finish. It will require several years in bottle.

William Kelley 94-96/100

Aromas of dark berry fruit and plums mingling with aromas of smoked tea, black truffles, loamy soil and Indian spices in a complex bouquet introduce the 2018 Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Les Malconsorts Cuvée Christianne, a full-bodied, layered and multidimensional wine that's rich, concentrated and textural, its powdery structuring tannins cloaked in an ample core of fruit. Brian Sieve told me that this cuvée has the highest pH in the cellar and finished up with a modest 13.3% alcohol.