2015 Domaine Bruno Clavelier, Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru, La Combe d'Orveau

(just 20 hectoliters per hectare produced from tiny millerandé berries from these mostly very old vines planted on very shallow topsoil over mineral-rich chalk): Bright, full red. Great aromatic complexity and perfumed lift to the exhilarating scents of strawberry, pomegranate, cranberry, spices, rose petal and crushed rock. Penetrating yet utterly silky and seamless, with perfectly integrated acidity framing and lifting the flavors of pungent red berries, flowers and spices. Tactile and densely packed but utterly weightless, this wine really tickles the palate with chalk. But although it's wonderfully airy on entry, the finish is more monolithic and strict (Clavelier called it "monastic") in the early going. The very firm, slowly rising finish promises a glorious, leisurely evolution in bottle. Clavelier's holding in La Combe d'Orveaux is adjacent to Petits-Musigny, which is part of the grand cru Musigny, and was classified as tête de cru prior to the Phylloxera epidemic.

The 2015 Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru La Combe d'Orveau was showing just a touch of reduction on the nose that seemed to blow away with rigorous aeration. Underneath lies dark cherries, raspberry and cranberry juice aromas infused with cold stone scents. The palate is fresh and vibrant on the entry. Crunchy red berry fruit to the fore, allied with tangible mineralité thanks to its stony texture that leaves the mouth tingling after the wine has departed. This is another superb 2015 from Bruno Clavelier.