Dark and lush, featuring violet, black cherry, licorice, sandalwood and bitter chocolate notes. There's ample acidity and the dense tannins enter on the back half of the palate, suggesting this will develop well over the next decade or so. Best from 2015 through 2030. – BS

(BH92-94 points) A much higher-toned nose of red cherry and raspberry fruit is given depth and breadth by the earth and sauvage hints that carry over to the suave yet solidly well-detailed and tautly muscular middle weight flavors that display a subtle touch of minerality on the delicious, complex, focused, harmonious and powerful finish. Almost quixotically, despite all of the power this remains a wine of finesse and elegance.

The 2009 Charmes-Chambertin is a bit closed in its bouquet, but is much more open and expressive on the palate. Layers of fruit built to the effortless, gracious finish. Mint and crushed flowers are some of the notes that add complexity on the sumptuous finish. As good as this is, I don’t see the fullest pedigree of Charmes coming through in the glass, at least today. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2029. - Antonio Galloni