1999 Faiveley Mazis Chambertin

(from 45+ year old vines). Always one of the most consistent performers in the Faiveley portfolio, the '99 Mazis is nothing short of superb with its beautifully dark ruby color and deep, brooding aromas of earth, iron, traces of leather and dried herbs followed by intense, penetrating, full-bodied, rich, slightly wild, gamey flavors all perfectly framed by outstanding fruit/acid balance. Though not quite as detailed and mineral-laden as the equally impressive '99 Latricières, this too is very long with terrific persistence and simply oozes the unmistakable class and power of a Gevrey grand cru. There is so much pinot baby fat that this is deceptively approachable now but it will age and improve for at least a decade and drink well for another. A very impressive effort. Burghound 93