The 2015 Vosne Romanee 1Er Cru les Malconsorts, which is under the Domaine du Clos Frantin, comes from 1.8 hectares of vine spread over different parcels. This has a more opulent bouquet compared directly with Bichot's Amoureuses, laden with glossy red cherry and blueberry fruit that perhaps disguise the terroir expression at the moment. The palate is smooth and rounded with good depth, layers of sweet red fruit tinged with white pepper and spice box, though it needs more refinement and precision to develop on the finish that seems too eager to make an impression, whereas the Amoureuses lets the terroir do all the talking. Less might have made a more convincing Les Malconsorts?

Cask sample. 17 months in oak, 40% new. Deep crimson. Intense, ripe fruit aromas – both fresh and dried cherry. A much firmer grip than in the two Chambolles just tasted – Les Chabiots and Les Amoureuses – and needing more time. Depth and length without excess weight, kept shapely by the firmness of the texture. (JH)