2015 Beaune Cuvee Dames Hospitalieres

Kindly donated by New York collector James Finkel (who also hosted a small after-party for the organisers of the tasting). Blend of Bressandes, La Mignotte and Les Teurons, usually the Hospices de Beaune auction first lot. Named after the Hospices nurses. 2015 had very small berries and an early harvest so the tannins tend to be pronounced. Deep shaded garnet. Smells quite evolved with forest-floor notes. Very sweet palate entry and sturdy composition. For those who appreciate a bit of volume in their red burgundy. Something appropriately medicinal about the flavour of this. And quite a firm structure with notes of redcurrant. You're aware of 2015's tannic (small-berry) character. Still needs time! And hopes that the fruit lasts as long as the tannins. (JR)