Clos de Vougeot, Mugneret-Gibourg 2014

A more subtly wood trimmed nose presents plenty of earth character on the softly spicy red and dark berry fruit and floral-suffused aromas. There is outstanding concentration to the overtly powerful broad-shouldered flavors that deliver first-rate depth on the impeccably well-balanced and wonderfully persistent finale that is a bit less youthfully austere than usual. While this is very firmly structured I suspect that it will be approachable after only 7 to 8 years.

The 2014 Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru, matured in 80% new oak, has a more backward nose compared to the Ruchottes-Chambertin with blackberry, raspberry and incense notes that begin to open with aeration. The palate is supremely well balanced, here the oak a little more noticeable than the Ruchottes, but there is enough fruit to support it, hints of spicebox and orange zest towards the finish. This is beautifully crafted Clos de Vougeot that will be difficult to resist in its flush of youth, yet will certainly reward cellaring.