What are we drinking? Cathiard Malconsorts x 3

A few weeks back, I was at a tremendous tasting where three bottles of Cathiard Malconsorts were opened as an extra treat at the end of the event.

The trio of 2014, 2015 and 2016 is a display of Vosne supremacy. Not many wines outside the appellation are a match for a Cathiard firing on all cylinders.

The 2014 is youthful and very charming, but without quite the density of the other two.

Domaine Cathiard Vosne-Romanée Aux Malconsorts 2014

The bouquet is offering cool and juicy red berry fruit – detailed, pure and transparent – but only limited maturing notes. On the palate, relatively weighty and quite firm, as the 2014s can be currently. Yet it’s vibrant, with lovely tension and a display of cool, vivid fruit. Showing very well – better than expected – with Vosne spices singing through the classic fruit notes.

(Drink from 2027) – Very Fine – (94p) – Tasted 26/09/2019

Moving on to the mighty yet sensual 2015; somewhat backward, but still displaying layer upon layer of silky fruit.

Domaine Cathiard Vosne-Romanée Aux Malconsorts 2015

The bouquet is offering layers of rich and generous fruit, while still only revealing a fraction of the complexity that hides beneath the layers of opulent fruit. It´s a monumental Malconsorts and a tremendous expression of the Vosne appellation, with violets, roses and peony in the bouquet and a silky intensity on the palate. The velvety feel of Vosne…

(Drink from 2035) – Outstanding – (95-96p) – Tasted 26/09/2019

Last but not least, the intensely concentrated 2016: actually fairly open currently and really showing well.

Domaine Cathiard Vosne-Romanée Les Malconsorts 2016

The 2016 Malconsorts is a balanced and refined effort, although somewhat understated and darker. The bouquet offers intense layers of red and dark berry fruit supported by a strong impression of earthy minerality. On the palate, weighty fruit – this is indeed a big wine. The question is however: Will it ultimately match the 2015? A serious wine that will require quite some time to unfold. This is an intense and deep glass.

(Drink from 2035) – Outstanding (95p) – Tasted 26/09/2019.

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What can I say? The perfect balance among mineral power, fruit intensity and Vosne spices. Adorable wines, yet very much too young.