Charmes Chambertin 2016

(from 50-year-old vines on rocky calcaire on the opposite side from Mortet's Mazoyères source, near Griottes-Chambertin; made with 30% whole clusters and aging in 70% new oak; the yield was 35 hectoliters per hectare): Bright dark red, if not especially saturated. Pungent, very pure aromas of raspberry, crushed stone and rose petal: a real essence of le vrai Charmes. Juicy, fine-grained and penetrating, combining excellent density with an impression of weightlessness in a way that very few Pinot Noirs made outside Burgundy can accomplish. Brisk rose petal and red licorice flavors contribute to the impression of sharp definition. A very classy, feminine, youthfully imploded style of Charmes with terrific finishing cut and grip. Finishes with very suave tannins and sneaky rising length. Showing brilliantly today.

Score: 92 - 95

Stephen Tanzer, Vinous.com 01 January 2018