Allen Meadows 2014
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White Wines

2014 Beaune 1er cru "Les Reversées": (the domaine is the only producer of white from Reversées). The expressive nose plays right on the edge of reduction but it's not so much to completely mask the white orchard fruit, floral and soft citrus scents. There is a lovely texture to the attractively rich, round and understated middle weight flavors that exude a fine bead of minerality before terminating in a delicious and sneaky long finish. I would suggest giving this at least a year or two of bottle age though it should be capable of rewarding from 4 to 6. 89 points/2019+ 


2014 Pernand-Vergelesses 1er cru "Sous Frétille": Here the reduction is more prominent and I would definitely advise decanting this if you're tempted to try a bottle in its youth. Once again there is fine richness and a seductive texture to the beautifully concentrated medium-bodied flavors that brim with palate coating dry extract, all wrapped in a citrusy, clean, dry and stony finish. This well-balanced effort is really very good and worth checking out. 91 points/2020+ 


2014 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru: Once again the reduction is sufficiently prominent on the judiciously wooded nose to warrant decanting this 30 minutes in advance if you choose not to age this excellent effort. Otherwise there is terrific intensity, power and density to the broad-shouldered and intensely mineral-driven flavors that also coat the palate with dry extract that also serves to buffer the firm acid spine on the saline, balanced and moderately austere finish. Patience. 93 points/2022+ 

Red Wines

2014 Volnay 1er cru "En Carelle": A pretty and distinctly restrained nose features primarily notes of various red berries that are laced with whispers of spice, earth and floral nuances. There is a subtle trace of minerality present on the detailed and almost delicate middle weight flavors that terminate in a dusty and mildly austere finish that exhibits just a trace of edginess. Even though the balance is not ideal I like the obvious Volnay character. 88 points/2019+


2014 Volnay 1er cru "Clos de la Chapelle": A more elegant and wonderfully pure nose offers up airy notes of red currant, spice, lilac, rose petal and all but invisible wood. There is equally good purity to the attractively rich and vibrant medium-bodied flavors that also exude a fine bead of minerality on the beautifully refined and persistent finish. This is also dusty but not edgy as the tannins possess better phenolic maturity. 90 points/2021+


2014 Beaune 1er cru "Teurons": A pungent nose exhibits notes of reduction and wood toast. By contrast there is good freshness to the impressively rich, lush and markedly round flavors that possess a firm core of slightly tough tannins on the mildly dry finish. This is not without a certain appeal but the balance isn't what it could be. 87 points/2020+


2014 Pommard 1er cru "Les Chanlins Vieilles Vignes": A much more deeply pitched nose is comprised by notes of violet, plum, black cherry and discreet floral hints. There is excellent volume to the suave and very rounded medium weight flavors that also exude a fine bead of minerality onto the dusty, persistent and mildly austere finish. This velvety effort should drink reasonably well after only 5 years and reward up to a decade of cellar time. 90 points/2022+


2014 Pommard 1er cru "Grands Epenots": Here the wood treatment is no longer subtle as there is both wood toast and menthol nuances on the otherwise fresh and ripe aromas of cassis, earth, and a hint of tea. There is excellent concentration to the mouth coating and powerful middle weight plus flavors that possess good muscle and plenty of punch, all wrapped in a moderately austere and ever-so-mildly edgy finish. This may harmonize in time but I suspect that there is always likely to be a touch of asperity. (88-91) points/2022+


2014 Volnay 1er cru "Taillepieds": This was quite flat on the nose and lacked freshness though barrel samples being what they are, sometimes my predicted range offers the benefit of the doubt; moreover, this was not the case with any of the other of the 2014s in the range so there is no particular reason that this should be quite so different. Otherwise there is much better freshness and vibrancy in the mouth with lovely underlying tension and ample minerality adding lift to the concentrated flavors that deliver lovely depth on the lingering and very firm finish that is a bit clipped at present. As the description confirms this is definitely awkward at present yet the underlying raw material is such that I suspect that this will ultimately come together in time. (89-92) points/2026+


2014 Corton-Rognet Grand Cru: A touch of oak sets off the mildly reduced nose though a note of menthol is evident in the background. There is excellent volume and concentration to the broad-shouldered and muscular flavors that brim with mouth coating dry extract before concluding in an overtly robust and slightly austere finish of outstanding depth and length. This is a classic Rognet that is presently quite compact and it is immediately evident that this is going to need every bit of a decade to unwind the firm tannic spine and 15 years would not surprise me. In a word, impressive. 93 points/2026+


2014 Corton-Bressandes Grand Cru: Generous wood and menthol again suffuses the ripe and fresh nose that consists of dark cherry, earth, forest floor and soft sauvage nuances. There is really lovely delineation to the big-bodied and also overtly powerful flavors that possess a bit more refinement before concluding in a tautly muscular, focused and attractively textured finish that is serious but not really austere. This is even more structured than the Rognet and indisputably going to require an extended stay in a cool cellar. Patience! (92-94) points/2029+