2013 Domaine Emmanuel Rouget Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru "Cros Parantoux"

The 2013 Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Cros Parantoux was enduring an extremely long malolactic when I tasted it from barrel in December 2014. So yes, the nose is difficult to assess but the palate is very well defined and the mineralité already shines through. I like the primal energy here, the finish tense and full of frisson that bodes well for whenever it deigns us with its presence. Will it match the imperious 2012? Hmm … not quite sure about that, but it should be a worthy follow-up. (NM)