The 2016 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru comes from Mazoyères, a 0.35-hectare parcel of vines just under 50 years old, and matured in 50% new oak. It has a seductive bouquet with ample dark cherry, bergamot and crushed strawberry scents that are beautifully defined. The palate is medium-bodied with crunchy red berry fruit and a fine bead of acidity, quite elegant and maybe less opulent than your typical Charmes-Chambertin, but what fantastic length. The manner in which it fans out on the finish is just glorious. This is one of the outstanding Charmes-Chambertins of the vintage.

Cask sample. Mid purplish crimson. A little more scented than the Échezeaux but with the same sober and elegant restraint on the palate. Fine-boned with dry finesse in the tannins. Very long but rather tongue-tied on the palate at the moment. Totally embryonic but harmonious. (JH)