2017 Charmes Chambertin

The 2017 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru includes 20% whole bunches, matured in one-third new oak. It has a gorgeous bouquet of cranberry and raspberry fruit with veins of cassis ; later, brown spices emerge. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin, good depth and fine grip, perhaps just missing a little precision toward the finish but still very fine.

An agreeably discreet application of wood sets off the attractively fresh and markedly floral aromas of black cherry, plum and abundant earth scents. There is a subtle minerality and vibrancy to the sleek and intense middle weight flavors that possess a caressing mouthfeel that contrasts somewhat with a mildly austere finale that exhibits fine depth and persistence. This is both stylish and pretty and like the Griotte, could be approached with pleasure on the younger side if that's your preference.

There are two barrels of Lignier's 2017 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru, an attractive wine that delivers a fruit-driven bouquet of cassis and juicy cherries, deftly framed by new oak. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, broad and expansive, with an ample core of fruit, an open-knit chassis of fine-grained tannins and succulent balancing acids. It's a giving, charming Charmes which will drink well in its youth.