2015 Beaune Greves

(production was 30 hectoliters per hectare here as there was less frost; harvested on September 9 and vinified with 20% whole clusters): Healthy dark red. Lovely mineral lift to the aromas of black cherry and licorice. Tightly wound and gripping, with the black cherry and menthol flavors currently showing some oaky impingement that hardens the tannins. A bit dominated by its structure today, this concentrated wine is hard to assess and will need time. Will it become more pliant before it goes into bottle?

The 2015 Beaune 1er Cru Les Grèves, matured in around 20-25% new oak and tasted from the recently racked final blend, was showing a tiny bit of reduction on the nose when I tasted it from barrel. Véronique mentioned that it has always been in the shadow of Clos des Mouches but has been very consistent in recent years. The nose is forthright and exudes a floral personality, touches of wilted violet merging with the black cherry and bilberry fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with crunchy black fruit, crisp tannin, very fine structure with quite a sophisticated finish that should flesh out by the time of bottling.

Sample. Quite loose-textured on the front palate and then it tightens up with some firm tannins. Bitter cherries all the way. For the moment the tannins are really dominant! (JR)