The 2015 Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru has perhaps the most succinct bouquet of 16 peers tasted blind, offering very discreet red and black fruit intermixed with pencil lead, sous-bois and dried orange peel. The palate is very well balanced, displaying a fine bead of acidity, traces of graphite and brown spices, filigreed tannin and a poised, classy finish. This Clos de Vougeot testifies to some top-notch winemaking craftsmanship. Tasted blind at the annual Burgfest tasting.

A more deeply pitched and much earthier and gamier array mixes notes of various red berries, floral and enough wood influence to mention. Like the Les Cras the broad-shouldered flavors possess a sleekly muscular mouth feel while delivering excellent length on the firm, serious and youthfully austere finale. I would suggest allowing this at least 7 to 8 years of cellaring first.

Mid crimson. Dark fruited and beautifully fragrant. Silky, supple and juicy with red fruit on the palate. Light but so charming and persistent. (JH)