Chambertin, Domaine Denis Mortet 2015

Moderate oak is still present on the very spicy if somewhat more restrained nose that features a broad-ranging combination of earth, game, black fruit, humus and violet aromas. The sleek, intense and mineral-driven big-bodied flavors possess superb muscle and power before terminating in a balanced, saline and hugely long finish. This brilliant effort is an imposing and notably serious wine that is very Chambertin in basic character and has the structure to prove it. Patience.

The 2015 Chambertin Grand Cru consists of three barrels this year, and is matured in 100% new oak and includes 50% whole bunch. It has a very clean and precise bouquet, more backward and broody than the Bonnes-Mares, the oak in the driving seat at the moment but with plenty of black fruit behind it. The palate is medium-bodied with smooth tannin, succulent black and red fruit with white pepper and spice box notes, a clinical thread of acidity that binds together a harmonious, almost understated finish. A case of 'less is more' here.

Powerful dark fruits on the nose, which is dominated by the 100% new oak, though the fruit rides it well. Very concentrated with firm tannins but no excessive extraction. This has a welcome sucrosity to balance the density of fruit, and a fine acidity that carries the wine onto a very long finish. Impeccable balance. 2020 - 2040