1997 vintage in Cote de Nuits

The 1997 vintage from Burgundy is reliable (if under-rated), and the wines are drinking well right now.  Case in point is the 1997 Vosne-Romanee Les Beaumonts from Dominique Laurent, who has a reputation for making his wines in a more "modern" style. 

A neighbor to the grand cru vineyards of Les Richebourgs and Echezeaux, the Les Beaumonts vineyard is one of the more prestigious premier cru's.  Since the vineyard is a bit higher in elevation, the fruit ripens slightly later and the wines typically need more time to balance out after bottling. 
This fine example opened up beautifully after two hours (decanted) and exhibited glorious red cherry with sous bois and nose of violets... paired perfectly with rack of lamb.