2016 Domaine Jacques Prieur, Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru

The 2016 Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru is also quite youthfully reserved, reluctantly revealing reticent aromas of earthy cassis and spices that's framed by a nicely integrated but generous application of new oak. On the palate, it's full-bodied, ample and chewy, with a broad and chunky attack, a rich chassis of tannins and bright acids, concluding with a firm, somewhat angular finish. While the wine's equilibrium appears to have been impacted by the frost, the raw materials are sufficiently promising that I suspect time will be kind to it and round out its hard edges.

(at 13% potential alcohol, this cuvée was the highest in octane in 2016 and was not chaptalized; these vines were affected by frost--the yield was 24 hectoliters per hectare--but not to the same extent as the estate's Echézeaux and Musigny): Dark red with ruby tones. Captivating, ripe, soil-driven nose shows savory mineral and spice nuances. Silky on entry, then fine-grained and elegant in the middle palate, with nothing hard or rustic about it. Cherry and redcurrant fruit flavors are complicated by saline mineral notes and a suggestion of anise. Finishes with full, mounting, harmonious tannins and lovely energy and length. Very classic Clos Vougeot