There are moments when, out of the blue, an intense emotion takes over the whole body sending through a deep sensation of warmth and well being... Moments when it feels as though the entire nervous system shuts down for a period that in reality lasts only 1-2 seconds but appears to last an eternity. Moments which transport back to a precise instant of joy and which resurface emotions intensely felt then. An impossible feeling to describe... A kind of spontaneous out of body ecstasy. A pure emotional euphoria with tender memories mingling mischievously with hopes of another such instant...

...an emotion so wonderful, so intense, and so quick that it inevitably ends with a shudder... Is it from a fear that its bliss will never be felt again?

That was the way I felt exactly as I was drinking Olivier Bernstein's Meursault 1er Cru Les Charmes '08 this evening. Perhaps it was the slight intoxication of having drank 1/2 a bottle? Most likely though, those emotions were triggered by the gentle suppleness of its body delightfully lifted by its freshness and by its finish at once tender and unforgettable. The perfect harmony of weight and lightness found in a wonderfully balanced and beautiful wine leaving a memorable imprint that only sublime dreams can...

At first, the nose was shy, delicate, and barely expressive. Perhaps, it wanted to be desired and discovered slowly, gently, without preconception. It was clearly a Meursault but it somehow had an unexpected gentleness and finesse. It showed the telltale signs of cream, acacia, marzipan, and a touch of white pepper. But only slightly and delicately, feeling safe and familiar yet raising interest and curiosity...

On the palate, a totally different matter. It expressed itself in its full glory. Assertive, succulent, full. A long, very long and exciting mid-palate. It wanted to remain there and caress, whisper, and titillate. Lovely, lovely taste. Mouthwatering freshness, beautiful tender texture...

It was the finish that surprised. Marzipan, acacia, and a touch of wild honey with an intense minerality. Lovely, lovely lingering finish. Very long...

A beautiful wine now... Putting aside my fears, i dare say it will be even better with time...