2015 Domaine Forey Père & Fils Vosne-Romanée Les Gaudichots 1er Cru

(13.6% alcohol; 85% new oak): Saturated ruby-red. Sexy high-toned aromas of kirsch , spices and crushed stone suggest a wine with good tension. Rich, round and chocolatey on entry, then less fat in the middle, showing very good breadth but a rather tight, masculine character. Finishes broad, firmly tannic and long, with a hint of the chocolatey ripeness shown by most of Forey's 2013s, which are all around 13.5%--or higher--in alcohol. Doesn't possess the elegance of his best vintages, but this wine is nonetheless impressive.

(from a .30 ha parcel of vines). The expressive and ripe nose of red and black pinot fruit and plum is nuanced with lovely notes of violet, anise and sandalwood. There is excellent punch to the mineral-driven and suave naturally sweet flavors that possess good volume while being underpinned by chewy tannins on the serious, sappy and dusty finish. Ample patience will be required as this is very clearly built-to-age. Dec 2016, www.burghound.com