2016 Echezeaux

(this is carrying 13.5% natural alcohol, the same level as the Boudots; from Les Quartiers de Nuits; Mugneret described the crop of 23 hectoliters per hectare here as "a good harvest" but he made 39 in 2017; vinified with 50% whole clusters): Dark red. Aromas of black cherry, dark chocolate, menthol and red licorice are complicated by a subtle floral element. Very concentrated, smooth wine with black and red berry flavors complemented by saline minerality; deeper and richer than the premier crus. This serious Echézeaux finishes with a restrained sweetness and big, broad, sweet tannins that spread out to saturate the mouth.

The 2016 Echézeaux Grand Cru was affected by the frost, 40% less than normal, although the yield was not too bad in the end according to Pascal Mugneret. It has a very well defined, quite focused bouquet with red and black cherries, blackcurrant leaf, bergamot and light Earl Grey scents. The palate is medium-bodied with quite firm tannin, spicy on the tip of the tongue, increasing in complexity towards the earthy, graphite-tinged finish that lingers nicely in the mouth. There is something "serious" about this Echézeaux and I suspect that it will need 4 to 5 years in bottle.