2014 Vosne Romanee Les Chaumes

Medium red. Spicy red fruits are complemented by dried flowers on the nose. More creamy and sweet than the basic village Vosne, but not yet showing the inner-mouth lift or penetrating quality of that wine. This one is more saline, tactile and long but will need some time in bottle to harmonize its tannins and develop its personality.

(from 30-year-old vines just behind the house, which Cheurlin described as the youngest of the domain; in cuve ): Good medium red. More flowers and soil tones than primary fruits on the nose. Initially juicy, tight and less open to inspection than the village wine but ultimately silky and fine-grained, with an intriguing touch of salinity. Finishes with sneaky length and spicy lift. This will need time in bottle to stretch out.

Matured in 50% new oak, the 2014 Vosne Romanée 1er Cru les Chaumes has a surfeit of energy and tension on the nose that is very precise and defined. There is lovely focus here. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, very well judged acidity and a svelte, strawberry and raspberry confit finish that lingers nicely. This is struck through with sophistication and class...a case of less equals more.