2016 Cotes du Jura Vin Jaune

The 2016 Vin Jaune Côtes du Jura is an instant classic. Clocking in at 15% alcohol (1% lower than the 2015), the 2016 showcases intense aromas of curry, saffron, bread dough, white mushroom and dried lemon peel. Round and elegant, it strikes a spot-on balance between elevated flavor concentration and high alcohol by way of lively acidity. The reported volatile acidity level of 0.88 grams per liter might be too high for some, but it doesn't bother me at all—there is so much else going on.