2016 Georges Noellat, Echezeaux Grand Cru

The 2016 Grands Echézeaux Grand Cru has a very intense bouquet with layers of black cherries, boysenberry and crushed stone aromas, though it becomes more floral with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy tannin, and a fine bead of acidity. Backward but intense with a fresh but paradoxically introspective finish that suggests it will require several years in bottle. Another bottle at Burgfest did not convey the same degree of freshness, hence the question mark against my score. Tasted at the Domaine.

(a bit of frost here; from all millerandé vines; still a bit of unconverted malic acidity remaining): Impressive dark ruby color. Very dark aromas of blackberry, violet and bitter chocolate. Densely packed and tightly wound, offering very good energy and concentration to its rather inky but well-delineated dark berry flavors. Despite the wine's mid-palate firmness and solid tannins, the persistent finish is surprisingly silky.