2016 Domaine Méo-Camuzet Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru

(25% of the crop was lost to frost; 85% new oak): Good medium red. Alluring scents of dark raspberry, mocha and game. This wine brilliantly combines charm and power, with its intense flavors of sappy dark cherry, herbs, licorice and violet supported by firming stony minerality. Dense, energetic and complete, finishing with excellent length. This unusually elegant Clos Vougeot strikes me as more successful in the context of its vintage than the 2015. And not at all austere despite the crop level of just 23 hectoliters per hectare.

The 2016 Clos Vougeot Grand Cru, matured in 80% new oak, has a tightly wound bouquet with earthy, woodland scents permeating the red fruit. As an aside, I thought there were a few stems here, though Jean-Nicolas assured me there are none. The palate is medium-bodied with lithe tannins, vibrant red berry fruit laced with orange zest and tangerine. There is a sense of this being a more linear, correct and conservative Clos Vougeot until it finally fans on the final third. Good potential.