2015 Gevrey Chambertin La Perriere

Cask sample. Mid to light crimson. More noticeably stemmy on the nose, though they have about 50% on all their wines apart from the grand cru. Dry and dark-fruited, definitely in a more savoury, dark style, with fine restraint and elegance. Long, refined texture if not notably fresh at the end, though the tannins add freshness. Definitely for those who like the more stemmy style. (JH)

The 2015 Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru la Perriere includes just under 50% whole bunch fruit with around 30-35% new oak. It offers impressive delineation on the nose with raspberry, briary and wild strawberry, crisp and focused with fine terroir expression. Hints of earl grey emerge with continued aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with a vibrant, spicy, peppery entry. It feels harmonious in the mouth, energetic and feisty, especially on the finish. Very fine, although it is on par, not superior to the domaine's excellent range of village crus.

Moving up to 1er cru La Perriere offer more intensity and weight – it’s however also a bit darker and less expressive than the other wines. La Perriere is located below Mazis-Chambertin just south of the village – the vines are from 1982 – 50% whole cluster is used. The nose offer red and dark berry fruit – a bit serious and understated. On the palate refined and well structured with a slightly darker balance than the other wines. A lovely wine in the making Jun 2016, www.winehog.org