2015 Clos St Denis

Cask sample. Slightly higher proportion of whole bunch (65%) and new oak (50%). Mid crimson. Restrained, lightly spiced red fruit on the nose – the oak barely visible on first impression. Shows more on the palate, which is fine-grained but quite compact. Feels a little flat at the moment but I think it is all just corseted up for the future. Very refined, like all these wines. (JH)

The 2015 Clos Saint Denis Grand Cru includes 55% whole bunch fruit with 50% new oak. It has a composed bouquet with fine delineation, crushed rose petal and cold wet limestone permeating through the black and red fruit. It conveys the imperious personality I like from my Clos Saint-Denis. The palate is medium-bodied with ripe tannin, black fruit stained with orange rind and white pepper, conveying the structure and slight aloofness I appreciate in young Clos Saint-Denis, reassuring that this will age over 15-20 years. This is lip-smackingly delicious and just utterly superb.

The Clos Saint-Denis is a big step up in quality offering more refinement and depth. In the nose layers of juicy and vibrant red fruit – notes of pomegranate, boysen berries and forest strawberries – brought forward by the intense and filigree minerality. On the palate intense fruit focused by the refined minerality – it’s rich and generous, focused and intense – long and refined. I have a soft spot for Clos Saint-Denis … and this is an outstanding example. Jun 2016, www.winehog.org