2012 Charmes Chambertin

(as with the Combottes, Lignier included a bit of whole clusters here): Moderately saturated medium red. Aromas of redcurrant and faded rose are enlivened by a stony nuance. Juicy and savory on entry, then almost liqueur-like but not at all outsized in the mid-palate, with expressive flavors of strawberry, flowers and iron nicely framed by smoky minerality. Showing less lift and perfume than the Combottes but a bit more volume and texture, and long on the aftertaste. This stylish, silky wine is quite open-knit today.

The 2012 Charmes-Chambertin (from Mazoyères) comes across as a bit raw and not fully formed just yet. Still, there is plenty to admire in the focused, direct flavors. Dark red and black fruit, violets, dried rose petals, spices and licorice are all woven together in a resonant, expressive Burgundy. This is surprisingly open for a young Mazoyères, which makes me think the 2012 will drink well with minimum cellaring.

The 2012 Charmes Chambertin Grand Cru has a very complex, quite beguiling bouquet with raspberry preserve, sous-bois, rose petals and orange zest all emerging from the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with razor-sharp tannins and superb delineation. This actually reminds me of one of Denis Bachelet’s Charmes-Chambertin and the finish has an awesome amount of tension that leaves the mouth tingling long afterward. Jun 2015, www.robertparker.com