For reports and full tasting notes, go toTim Atkin MW's website.

The 2016 Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru les Petits Monts, matured in 50% new oak (four barrels), has a slightly rustic nose with hints of dried blood infusing the red berry fruit. Maybe this is not quite as harmonious as some of Maxime Chuerlin’s other barrel samples at the moment, but it will meld together with bottle age. The palate is medium-bodied with a little chewiness on the entry. There is fine substance here, quite precise with a focused, harmonious red cherry and cranberry-driven finish. This sample was showing a touch of reduction, but my score reflects how I believe it will show once it is in bottle (of course).

(from vines just under 50 years old; malo recently finished; in 60% new oak): Bright medium ruby. Very dark aromas of blackberry, flowers and crushed rock. Savory, precise wine with terrific energy and salty minerality. Finishes very long, spicy and firmly tannic, with a captivating sweetness and no dryness. This penetrating, soil-driven wine boasts terrific cut. Cheurlin notes that this premier cru covers less than four hectares, with most of the dozen or so owners having "tiny slices," with DRC's holding the largest.