The 2015 Gevrey-Chambertin Bel Air 1er Cru has a multifaceted bouquet of red cherry, crushed strawberry and cranberry scents; hints of vervain tea and undergrowth lend complexity. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin and a lovely bead of acidity, and the sensual, velvety-smooth finish reveals notes of kirsch and blood orange. Wonderful. Tasted blind at the annual Burgfest tasting. (DIAM 10 closure)

(these high-altitude vines above Clos de Bèze suffer less in hot years and always yield fruit with healthy acidity according to Romain Taupenot): Bright medium red. Captivating perfumed lift to the aromas of black cherry, spices, dried rose, violet and menthol. Pungent red berry flavors are given noteworthy penetration by zippy acidity. Finishes with firm but very well-integrated tannins and lovely lingering perfume. This vibrant, tactile wine, from a healthy yield of 42 hectoliters per hectare, tickles the salivary glands. These vines are situated at essentially the same altitude as the grand crus of Gevrey but are closer to the forest on a steeper slope and receive less sunlight, noted Taupenot.

The 2015 Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru Bel Air reveals a deep bouquet of wild black fruit, coniferous forest floor and subtle soil tones. On the palate, the wine is fine-grained, medium to full-bodied and underpinned by juicy acids, with a firm chassis of tannin that asserts itself on the finish.