The 2019 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru is very pure and intense on the nose, a melange of black and blueberry fruit infused with pressed violet petals. The oak here is seamlessly integrated. The palate is opulent on the entry with black plum and boysenberry jam. There is a subtle confit element to this Charmes-Chambertin with grippy tannins on the finish that delivers a subtle bitter/sappy edginess.

50% of the vines planted 1957. Their largest grand cru parcel. Cask sample. Vibrant mid cherry red. More perfumed than the Combottes, with floral and fruit purity interlaced. There’s a sweetness of red fruit in the aroma even without any unwanted sweetness on the palate, which is marked by a savoury quality that is perhaps partly oak but also with a slight earthiness. Dry, dry but very fine tannins. You have to take this slowly because it is really subtle and very very long. Utmost beauty in the tannins. I could drink this now but not sure I dare put the start of the drinking window as 2021 when it isn’t even bottled. (JH)