2015 Clos Vougeot

(40% vendange entier ; 70% new oak): Dark red with ruby highlights. Brooding, rather medicinal aromas of dark cherry and saline minerality; less floral than the Gevrey samples. Ripe and tactile for young Clos Vougeot but showing more dark chocolate and salty minerality in the early going than primary fruits. Finishes adamantly dry, with big, dusty tannins that will require substantial bottle aging to soften.

The 2015 Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru includes 40% whole bunches and 70% new oak. It is more open and expressive than the Mazis-Chambertin from barrel, with carefree red berry fruit, sage, orange rind and almost granitic aromas that are very well defined. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, a fine line of acidity, the oak a little prominent in the latter stages, although there is clearly enough fruit to soak that up. Give this 5-7 years in bottle if you can. Dec 2016, www.robertparker.com

(from a .32 ha parcel of vines just below those of Château de la Tour in the lower middle of the slope; 35% whole clusters). While not invisible, the wood influence is more moderate and should integrate with a few years of bottle age as it frames the floral and red currant aromas that display undertones of earth and a slight sauvage character. There is a caressing yet powerful mouth feel to the naturally sweet, full-bodied and nicely precise flavors that offer excellent intensity on the driving and youthfully austere finish. Patience is again recommended. Dec 2016, www.burghound.com