2016 Mercurey Les Cinq

A special cuvée from the Château de Chamirey, the 2016 Mercurey 1er Cru Les Cinq is matured in 100% new oak, but it has already integrated it to a surprising degree, wafting from the glass with notes of red and black cherries, rich soil, espresso roast and game bird. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, ample and layered, with juicy acids and a fine-grained but firm chassis of tannin that will demand some time in the cellar. I suspect it would be somewhat more graceful and transparent if it were matured in less new wood, but it's a serious Mercurey.