1999 Alain Michaud, Brouilly Cuvee Non-Filtre

[Florida Jim]

1999 Alain Michaud, Brouilly Cuvee Non-Filtre:

This cuvee is distinguished from the Cuvee Prestige (about $17); this is from vines of 45 years average age, the Prestige from vines of 85 years average age.

This bottle costs about $12.

Served with grilled salmon and a large green salad.

Dark nose with fresh turned dirt, dark and red fruit scents, almost brooding/

medium body, more about structure right now then fruit but still some solid red plum and very ripe strawberry flavors, somewhat tannic, smoothly textured, quite concentrated/

long finish where, after one swallows, there is an element of very fresh and vibrant red fruit not previously sensed, boding well for the time when this wine finally unwinds.

A serious wine with at least two years needed to bring it to its drinking window, perhaps more. The tannins are quite ripe, the old-vine character apparent and the fruit gradually becomes more open and layered with time open.

Excellent with the food and pretty good after it has taken on an hour or so of air. Otherwise, tight and tannic.

Best, Jim