2015 Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru La Vougeraie

(from an exceptionally well positioned 1 ha parcel situated directly beneath Les Petits Musigny that is combined with another less well located .35 ha parcel close to the main road). A ripe yet quite fresh nose features notes of poached plum, dark cherry and plenty of softly spiced earth character. There is outstanding density and power to the broadshouldered, serious and well-muscled flavors that are presently very tightly wound though the highly persistent finish is less austere than usual. This is clearly constructed to last for decades though it's not so backwards that it couldn't provide enjoyment young. Moreover, while this is ripe, it is much less marked by the style of the vintage than many of the wines in the range. In a word, excellent. Drink 2032+

The 2015 Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru had been racked two weeks previous to my visit. It has quite a precocious bouquet with vivacious red cherry, kirsch, orange sorbet and mineral notes - the aromas almost bursting from the glass! The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red berry fruit, touches of brown spice sprinkled from start to finish, with tangible tension that makes this so endearing. It lingers long in the mouth, concluding what is a very well-crafted Clos de Vougeot. Pierre Vincent opined that it might be the best Clos de Vougeot that he has ever made at Domaine de la Vougeraie. Me thinks you're right.

The 2015 Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru offers up a sapid bouquet of grilled game bird, espresso roast, wild plums and dark berries. On the palate, the wine is full- bodied, ample and velvety, with real mid-palate substance, supple, melting tannins and impressive reserves of concentration and depth despite its elegant, understated profile. The finish is long, precise and succulent. From bottle, the Clos de Vougeot is one of the most promising wines from Domaine de la Vougeraie. 2022 - 2045 .

Nez fougueux mais noble, attaque souple. Fruit presque sauvage et très épuré, guidé par des tanins bien éduqués.

Pierre Vincent thinks this is the best Clos de Vougeot he has ever made, and he may well be right. It comes from two parcels - one low and one high - and is fermented with 100% whole clusters. Silky, floral and almost Chambolle-Musigny-like, with velvety tannins and notes of rose petal and raspberry. 2020-28 .

Deep medium red. Subdued but pretty aromas of dark cherry, wild herbs and licorice. Broad and silky on entry, then much more dense and backward in the middle palate; the largest-scaled of the Domaine de la Vougeraie 2015s to this point but very slow to evolve. The slightly medicinal finish displays substantial dusty tannins and a strong licorice quality. Still quite reserved but very pure, spicy and long. In fact, this wine seemed to gain in power after I spit it. Vincent ranks this wine with 2014 and 2010 as his favorite vintages here for Clos Vougeot, but it will require considerable patience.

Red Complex aromas and flavors of red berry, sandalwood, vanilla, floral and mineral are alluring, made all the more appealing by the elegant frame and vivid structure. Silky and harmonious enough to drink now, but this should really sing in five to seven years. Offers a fine, smoky finish. Best from 2023 through 2040. From France.-B.S .