2015 Domaine de Montille Corton Clos du Roi Grand Cru

(12.8% alcohol, from fruit picked on September 2; vinified entirely with whole clusters and aged in 55% new oak): Good dark red. Very ripe, almost roasted aromas of currant liqueur, cherry and underbrush. In a powerful, thick, very dense style yet silky and nicely delineated as well, displaying compelling saline and mineral tones to its dark cherry and black raspberry fruit flavors. Really amazing texture here for a wine with modest alcohol. Quite salty and backward, even clenched, on the back end, but this grand cru has the power and energy to age for a long time. But its tooth-saturating tannins will require considerable patience.

The 2015 Corton Grand Cru Clos du Roi is 100% whole cluster matured in 55% new oak. The bouquet is very fragrant with lifted black cherries, mulberry and wild heather scents - superb mineral expression here. The palate is medium-bodied with succulent tannin, crisp acidity, good body with red cherries and cranberry towards the structured, but surprisingly approachable finish. This is lovely.

100% whole bunch, 50% new oak. Bright crimson. Polished, seductive, bright cherry fruit on the nose. Pretty smart with a bit oak showing but good, precise fruit in the ascendant. Ambitious. (JR)