Charmes Chambertin VV, Domaine Bachelet 2018

There is just enough wood present to warrant mentioning framing the cool and pure essence of red currant, cassis, plum and a variety of spice wisps. The rich and relatively full-bodied flavors possess outstanding mid-palate density thanks to the abundant dry extract that imparts a highly seductive mouthfeel as well as buffers the firm tannic spine shaping the strikingly long finish where a touch of bitter cherry pit character emerges. This offers excellent aging potential yet it's not so compact that it could not be approached in its youth if that's your preference.

Exquisitely balanced with just 13.2% natural alcohol, Bachelet's 2018 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru Vieilles Vignes has realized all the promise it showed in barrel, wafting from the glass with notes of cherries, plums, orange rind, raw coca, woodsmoke and rich, loamy soil. Full-bodied, layered and velvety, it's deep and concentrated, built around lively acids and an elegantly muscular chassis of rich, powdery tannins. Seamless and complete, this is another brilliant Charmes from Bachelet, and I can't wait to revisit it a decade or two from now.