2016 Domaine Faiveley, Musigny Grand Cru

(due to the tiny crop in 2016, Faiveley blended its two plots to make three-quarters of a barrel of wine; vinified with 50% whole clusters): Bright, dark red-ruby. Musky, smoky, reduced nose. Then wonderfully silky and rich on the palate, with its flavors of dark chocolate, black tea and cocoa powder conveying a powerful terroir character. Today the wine's fruit is in the deep background, yet this smoky, chocolatey Musigny conveys great breed. "Not a wine, but a tasting experience for the connoisseur," says Jérôme Flous. Today I prefer the two Clos de Bèze cuvées and the Clos des Cortons for their pure fruit intensity. (Incidentally the 2015 Musigny Joseph Faiveley, made from Faiveley's recent purchase of a tiny parcel of vines from the Dufouleur family, was bottled in magnums.)

For reports and full tasting notes, go toTim Atkin MW's website.