Michel Gros inherited the estate of Domaine Jean Gros and the entire vineyard of Clos des Reas which is the only monopole premier cru of Vosne-Romanee (till now) meanwhile is the only premier cru in the village that does not touch a grand cru. Like any other wines made by this highly traditionalist producer, spending a minimum of 18 months in the oak barrels so that it has superlative longevity. The grapes are totally de-stemmed; the premiers crus receive 50% new oak; part of the juice is concentrated by a similar machine (entropy evaporator) to that used by Domaine Gros Frere et Soeur and Domaine Anne-Francoise Gros, if necessary. Today, the estate is managed by Michel and his son Pierre.

All wines have been aerated in bottle for six and a half hours. Domaine Michel Gros “Au Vallon” 2016 was fresh, juicy and fruited. Domaine Michel Gros Vosne-Romanee 2014 was fresh, minty and delicate on the nose with also lots of sweet flowers&fruits. The consequence of the vertical tasting of Clos des Reas was unanticipated: the 2013, the 2016 and the 2017 had the better performances than the 2014 and the 2015. The 2011 that I've encountered 3 years ago was surprisingly stunning too. I was thinking perhaps it's because only the weaker vintages can be approachable young in view of the fact that most Michel's wines are made for aging. Hence, my suggestion is to drink such vintages now and collect the exceptional vintages for your cellar. Domaine Michel Gros “Clos des Reas” Monopole 2013 was expressive on the aroma that showed a mixture of red liquorice, cinnamon, red cherry, stone and tiny dried flower. Domaine Michel Gros “Clos des Reas” Monopole 2014 and the half bottle of Domaine Michel Gros “Clos des Reas” Monopole 2015 were rather reticent at the current stage, and the 2015 was riper than the 2014. Domaine Michel Gros “Clos des Reas” Monopole 2016 emitted a perfumed, refreshing and well-delineated aroma that was dominated by…(for all the details, please subscribe)…animated the detailed and mineral-laced finale that was also uncommonly polished and subtly plump. I clearly know how to appreciate a great wine crafted in an old school style despite I belong to the younger generation. Barrel tasting of Domaine Michel Gros “Clos des Reas” Monopole 2017 which was exceedingly fresh and elegant on the nose that was rather stony, floral and sweetly spicy. The florality continued onto the somewhat austere but polished and exquisite mouthfeel that showed remarkable vibrancy and utterly firm tannins.