I had not tasted the 2016 Romanée-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru since it was in barrel, and it is showing brilliantly, unfurling in the glass with notes of cassis, wild berries, espresso roast, dark chocolate, exotic spices, rose petals and violets. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, layered and multidimensional, with refined tannins, a lively spine of acidity and striking depth and dimension. This is a magical Romanée-Saint-Vivant that matches or surpasses the 2015 rendition.

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

Dark red-ruby. Distinctly wild aromas of black raspberry, crushed rock, bitter chocolate, cocoa powder and leather lifted by a spicy element. Extremely unevolved following a very late malo but already wonderfully sweet, concentrated and creamy, conveying almost painful density to its black fruit flavors. Firms up dramatically on the rocky, mineral-driven back end. Almost tough today but boasts great potential.