2014 Mazis Chambertin

(just one barrel made):Bright, deep red. Liqueur-like raspberry, cassis, menthol and black licorice on the nose, accented by exotic spices and a peppery note. Very rich, concentrated and fine-grained, showing a subtle sweetness supported by powerful structural underpinning. The spicy quality carries through in the mouth. Lots of flavor and peppery energy here, and the tannins are finer than those of the Charmes-Chambertin. Offers serious aging potential.

The debut 2014 Mazis Chambertin Grand Cru was picked on September 19, fully destemmed and will be bottled in spring 2016. There is just one barrel. It has an intriguing bouquet. At first there is a slight metallic tincture. A bit of reduction perhaps? It then unwinds in the glass to reveal blueberry and cassis scents, undergrowth and citrus fruit, gaining detail all the time. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin on the entry, but then the structure kicks in on the second half and it turns much broodier and introspective compared to the Charmes. I suggest 4-6 years in bottle for this Grand Cru.

One barrel only. 17 months in oak. Quite a contrast with the Charmes-Chambertin, much more strawberry fruited on the nose. Smells sweeter and more open. Firm, layered, paper-fine texture, almost chalky. Very beautiful and refined, even in infancy. Dry, long finish. Incredibly long. (JH)