2016 Chapelle Chambertin

The 2016 Chapelle-Chambertin Grand Cru was poured before the Griottes-Chambertin for the first time. It has a perfumed bouquet with dark berry fruit, black tea, woodland scents and touches of spice emerging with time. The new oak here is seamlessly integrated and frankly I could never tell that this was raised entirely in new wood. There is something a little introverted here, though that is often the way with this grand cru from barrel. The palate is very sensual and beautifully balanced. The tannins are particularly fine here, understated at first but wait because there is a gentle wave of dark berry fruit and mineral-driven notes on the finish that fans out with style. This is a fabulous Chapelle-Chambertin, alas just one-and-a-half barrels this year.