Domaine Humbert Frères

91 points, Allen Meadows, Burghound “Moderate wood frames fresh if decidedly ripe aromas of red raspberry, wild dark currant, plum and a whiff of the...”

“Moderate wood frames fresh if decidedly ripe aromas of red raspberry, wild dark currant, plum and a whiff of the sauvage. The sleek and succulent middle weight flavors possess good if not special density while displaying reasonable depth and persistence on the youthfully austere finale. This compact, powerful and serious effort will need at least some keeping before it's ready for prime time. (Drink starting 2033)”

92 points, Allen Meadows, Burghound “Generous wood stops short of dominating the ripe and fresh nose of poached plum, dark pinot fruit, anise and warm...”

“Generous wood stops short of dominating the ripe and fresh nose of poached plum, dark pinot fruit, anise and warm earth. There is both better volume and richness to the solidly powerful broad-shouldered flavors that possess slightly better mid-palate density before terminating in a balanced bitter pit fruit-inflected finale. A few years of cellaring should help to add depth. (Drink starting 2030) Original score: 90-92 points”

94 points, Allen Meadows, Burghound “A mix of reduction and floral aromas leads to big-bodied and extremely rich flavors that possess an overt muscularity and...”

“A mix of reduction and floral aromas leads to big-bodied and extremely rich flavors that possess an overt muscularity and volume before culminating in a backward and austere but hugely long finish. This is an extremely serious and robust effort that brims with dry extract which is a good thing as the supporting tannins are quite firm at present. Impressive but a wine to age and note that my score gives the benefit of the doubt that the reduction is not permanent. From 60+ year old vines located in Mazoyères; 30% whole clusters. 40% whole bunches were used in this vintage, giving it an air of purity and elegance, delicacy and refinement. Black fruit on the nose and palate, tight tannins that are not quite ready to show themselves to full effect. This is already absolutely stunning, with folds of velvet textures, hints of chocolate and a touch of pine needle and violets. A beautiful, graceful Grand Cru.”

92 points, Stephen Tanzer, Vinous “Bright, dark red. Crushed black and blue fruits lifted by violet on the nose (black fruits are a sign of...”

“Bright, dark red. Crushed black and blue fruits lifted by violet on the nose (black fruits are a sign of great phenolic maturity, noted Humbert). Saline, sappy and rich, with dark fruit, licorice and menthol flavors spreading out to saturate the palate. More minerally than the Petite Chapelle, with an element of complexity that comes from successful ripening in a cool combe. Should make a terrific accompaniment to game dishes.”