The 2015 Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru is superb, offering up an utterly classic nose of plum, cassis, currant leaf, blood orange, incense and a beautifully integrated framing of new oak. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, supple and expansive, with a deep core of vibrant fruit and an ample chassis of beautifully fine-grained tannins which assert their Clos Vougeot muscularity by displaying a bit of grip on the long, lingering finish. While this is rendered with typical Drouhin elegance don't let that deceive you: this is a wine for the long haul, and its potential for sustained positive evolution in the cellar is considerable.

(this wine included both of Drouhin's parcels in 2015, one near Château de la Tour and the other in the southeast section of this large grand cru; vinified with 30% whole clusters): Bright red-ruby. Classic medicinal young Clos-Vougeot, offering slightly stunted aromas of kirsch , menthol and fresh herbs. Surprisingly creamy on entry, then quite firm in the middle, with bright acidity giving shape to the dark fruit, mint and menthol flavors. Really clamps down on the finish, displaying a powerful tannic structure and excellent grip as well as subtle, rising perfume in the retronasal passages. This wine holds out superb long-term potential.

The 2015 Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru has a more meaty and savory nose than its peers, but there is a bit of sweatiness, suggesting it is not as clean or pure as it might have been. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, and here the wine improves, since there is much more detail than on the nose. This Clos de Vougeot is well balanced, with a judicious spicy character enveloping the finish and great sustain on the aftertaste. If the nose improves with bottle age, then this will turn into a very fine Clos de Vougeot. Tasted blind at the annual Burgfest tasting.

Sample. Two parcels made separately because the bottom one suffers in wet years and the one by the château is always better. Very sweet and concentrated with masses of tannin. Round and flattering. (JR)