(entirely destemmed, as these thick-skinned grapes were extremely high in tannins and total polyphenols): Saturated dark red-ruby. Distinctly dark aromas of black cherry, licorice and violet convey an impression of medicinal reserve. Powerful black cherry, crunchy raspberry and licorice flavors boast remarkable intensity and energy but come across as less austere at this stage than normal. A huge wine with the structure for a 25-year evolution in bottle but there's something almost feminine about its fine-grained texture. The major tannins are totally supported by fruit on the classic, penetrating, extremely long aftertaste. A great wine in the making. (Erwan Faiveley noted that this was the most impressive must he's ever tasted.) The IPT ( indice polyphenols totaux ) here is a whopping 90, compared to a normal 50, according to Jerome Flous, who added that the record for this cuvée was 103 in 2005.

The 2015 Corton Grand Cru Clos des Cortons Faiveley is going from strength to strength, unfurling in the glass with a lavish bouquet of sweet red berries, cherries, licorice, spices, candied peel, raw cocoa and grilled game bird. On the palate, it's full-bodied, satiny and succulent, with a deep and concentrated core, ripe but abundant tannins and juicy acids, concluding with a pure, elegantly chalky finish. While it will only improve with bottle age, it's showing more of its cards than it did a year ago.

Cask sample. Monopole. Mid to deep crimson. So perfumed you might even say there was a lightly floral quality to the red fruit. Compact and yet scented on the palate too. Surprisingly approachable but the tannins close in on the finish. (JH)