2014 Domaine Arlaud, Morey-Saint-Denis Premier Cru, Les Blanchards

(the Arlauds have gotten this fruit from 60-year-old vines through a fermage arrangement since 2004): Good bright red. Lively aromas of black raspberry, spices and violet. Juicy, fruity, spicy and fresh; very ripe but not a fleshy style. Finishes with noteworthy verve and punch, and the spine to reward aging. This dark clay and calcaire soil would probably be great for Chardonnay, noted Cyprien Arlaud.

The 2014 Morey St Denis 1er Cru les Blanchards demonstrated more fruit intensity on the nose compared to the 2014 Millandes out of barrel: wild strawberry, raspberry and a touch of cassis. The palate is fresh and vibrant on the entry with sappy ripe black fruit, more citric than the Millandes with a sense of nascent energy coming through on the finish. This is very fine Les Blanchards and it should age with style.