2016 Domaine Denis Mortet, Mazis-Chambertin Grand Cru

The 2016 Mazis-Chambertin Grand Cru, which debuted in 2014, is the first vintage that Arnaud Mortet feels is part of the domaine. This was not affected by frost and was picked at 35 hectoliters per hectare. It has a ripe and intense bouquet with the 70% new oak and 50% whole bunch deftly integrated, very harmonious with superb mineral undertones. The palate is very poised, nicely structured, here the whole bunch more evident and lending and earthiness toward the masculine finish that indicates serious longevity. This is an astonishingly good sequel to the awesome 2015 Mazis.

(40% vendange entier ; 70% new oak; these vines on the middle of the hillside, close to Clos de Bèze, yielded 35 frost-free hectoliters per hectare in 2016): Bright medium red. Sexy perfume of raspberry, flowers and spices complicated by a saline mineral element. At once silky and juicy, with thick flavors of red berries, herbs, menthol and spices thrown into relief by a cool, almost minty quality. Lovely finesse of texture here and a complete absence of rough edges; the wine's sweet oak component is present but well-integrated. Finishes with serious, broad, glistening tannins and a rising whiplash of flavor.