Frederic Magnien Morey St. Denis 1er Cru Les Ruchots Cuvée Unique

Aromas of black tea, black cherry, blue fruit and florals with terrific earthy overtones. Said Domino, "now this really smells like Burgundy to me." Tannins are still present and have become a bit chalky in texture, but flavors of cherry, earth, florals and spice remain bright.

Second Sunday Group: 2000 Frédéric Magnien Horizontal (Our house) : Cherry, roasted game and toast aromas follow through on the palate. The fruit tends toward a darker profile as it sits, with dark cherry, red fruit, meat, violets and herbs. Has just a slight bit of tannin, along with flavors of cherries, red fruit and florals with nice acidity. 91-92 pts. My #3, Domino's #1 Group #5, 53 pts

4th Saturday Brown Bagger (Rich & Dana's) : Crimson color. Aromas of forest floor, violets, black cherry and perfume. Medium to full-bodied, with flavors of black cherry and dark fruit; touch of spice on the finish. Develops a terrific meaty quality with air. 93+ pts.

Would never have guessed this was a Burgundy, more Oregonian. Some raspberry/blackberry, espresso on finish. Not even a very good Oregon pinot (many of which I like). Magnien seems to be all over the map with his wines and this and the '98 just don't measure up. Some of his others, particularly the '01 Chambolle Charmes, are excellent, but you just never know what's going to show up.

Showing beautifully at age 10, still young and vibrant, still a medium ruby color. Notes of cranberry, spicy griottes cherry, fragrant red roses, old varnish, old books, quinine, and cinnamon. This wine is still young. Expressive and complex. Drink up over the next 5 years. DISCLAIMER: While I bought and cellared this wine personally, I work for Magnien's US Importer and it is my job to sell them.

Somewhat oaky nose with some dark fruit. On the palate also some oak and pretty intense rasberry flavor, not bad but the '04 Jadot Ch. des Jacques Moulin-a-Vent had with this was as good or better and half the price.