2011 Griotte Chambertin

Deep red with ruby tones. Complex aromas of cherry, crushed stone, licorice and musky coffee, with hints of caramel and molasses. Concentrated, juicy and energetic, with lovely thickness and inner-mouth perfume to its flavors of black fruits and licorice. Finishes firm, long and aromatic. This may ultimately top the 2012 version, but I prefer the Mazy 2012 to the '11 in the early going.

Bright, medium ruby-red. Much more floral on the nose than the Mazis, offering expressive aromas of violet and blackberry. Quite tightly wound on the palate, boasting precise, pure, very high-pitched flavors of black fruits, spices and crushed rock. Finishes with firm tannins that avoid dryness. This should age nicely for 15 or 20 years but may also give more early pleasure than the Mazis owing to its outstanding fruit intensity.

There is better integration of the wood on the pretty and attractively fresh nose of red berries, plum, black cherry and subtle warm earth hints though I would still describe it as prominent. There is excellent energy to the well-detailed and enveloping medium weight plus flavors that possess a plush mouth feel on the firm, balanced, complex and highly persistent finish. Tasted: Jan 15, 2014. Drink: 2023+