In the glass, Gros Frère’s ’19 Hautes-Côtes de Nuits brazenly shows off its intensity with a dense, opaque dark ruby core leading out to reflections of bright pink at the rim. Its aromas are immensely intense for an “entry level” red Burgundy, with perfumed notes of ripe wild strawberry, raspberry pastry, and black cherry liqueur followed by red and purple flowers. A mixed bag of wild herbs, crushed rock, and various baking spices round out the expressive nose. On the palate, the fruit is full, bright, and round, without excessive weight, and with a lifted touch of acidity lending exuberance. It’s a “need-to-drink-now” wine, only because it’s too darn delicious to keep your hands off. Allow a quick 20-30 minute decant and let the wine open up in a large Burgundy stem as you consume it over a two hour period. For those who purchase larger quantities, drink a few bottles inow and revisit over the next 3-5 years (it will provide you with a decade of life, if aged properly!). We think this deserves a rich game dish that will match its power—beef bourguignon? Not this time, try it with venison instead. You’ll be thrilled with the results, we promise you that. Cheers!