Reminiscent of the domaine's excellent 2010, the 2016 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Les Fontenys displays a reserved bouquet of cassis, wild plums, licorice, candied peel, espresso roast and grilled meats, followed by a medium to full-bodied, deep and layered palate, with tangy acids, a concentrated core of fruit and rich structuring tannins, concluding with a bright finish.

The 2016 Gevrey-Chambertin Les Fontenys 1er Cru has an intense, slightly gamey bouquet, quite intense and gaining power with every swirl of the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with ripe tannin, juicy and sumptuous with vanilla-tinged black and blue fruit towards the dense finish. There is 90% new oak here that will require several years to be fully assimilated, but there is clearly sufficient fruit to soak that up. I appreciate the judicious grip of the tannins. Patience required. Tasted at the Domaine.

Full ruby-red. Riper on the nose than the Clos Prieur Bas, offering aromas of black and red cherry, licorice and violet. Juicy, intense and penetrating but not at all hard, with its dark fruit flavors enlivened by enticing minerality. Finishes with very suave tannins and excellent energy and lift. This is nicely balanced from the outset owing to its element of sweetness but it should age well.