2012 Morey St Denis 1er Cru

(two-thirds Faconnieres and one-third Cheneverys, vineyards planted in the 1950s and 1936, respectively): Good deep, saturated red. Blueberry, blackberry and licorice on the nose; smells concentrated. Quite tightly wound on the palate, conveying a liqueur-like ripeness as well as a firm mineral spine to its flavors of dark fruits and licorice. Solid but well-integrated acidity contributes to the impression of structure. Finishes firmly tannic and long, with excellent cut and soil character. This excellent premier cru will probably need seven or eight years in the cellar.