The 2015 Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru shakes off a bit of reduction to reveal glorious brambly red fruit laced with tobacco, crushed stone and seamlessly knitted oak on a nose that is focused and sophisticated. The palate has a satiny texture, beautifully judged acidity, almost symmetrical balance and a long, sensual finish. This is utterly seductive and has the substance to age magnificently. Tasted blind at the annual Burgfest tasting.

Good bright red-ruby. Classic Clos Vougeot aromas of black cherry, black licorice and wild herbs. Surprisingly full and pliant on the palate, conveying a lovely restrained sweetness to its youthfully medicinal black fruit flavors. One is aware of the Clos Vougeot austerity on the long back end, but there's a touch of sweetness to the tannins that prevents the wine from coming off as hard. This very juicy Clos Vougeot will need time in bottle to blossom and gain in flesh.

Timid nose at this stage but it's pretty promising with fine tannins and firm ripe fruit. Long-term wine but it should deliver. (JR)