2016 Château de Chamirey Clos des Ruelles

The 2016 Mercurey 1er Cru Les Ruelles is a bit firmer and more marked by its élevage in 25% new oak than the lovely Clos de la Maladière (which sees somewhat less new wood), exhibiting aromas of ripe red fruits and barrel spice, followed by a medium-bodied, tight-knit palate that concludes with some fine-grained but chewy tannins. I suspect it will come together with time, but for now, I have a preference for the Clos de la Maladière.