(91-94) An earthy and slightly animale elements combines with notes of herbal tea-inflected red and dark berry fruit aromas. The rich, succulent and impressively scaled flavors possess fine mid-palate density, all wrapped in a serious, intense and beautifully long finish that is also youthfully austere. This sleekly muscular effort should age well and will need at least some patience.

(90 - 92) The 2016 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru includes 20% whole bunch with around 15% new oak (although the average age of the barrels is younger). It has an open and expressive bouquet, predominantly red fruit at the fore although I would be seeking just a little more precision given the vineyard. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grain tannin, a little angular at the moment and again, just needing more finesse on the finish. At the moment, the Clos Saint-Denis is a couple of furlongs ahead in style and sophistication. This needs to up its game during the rest of its barrel maturation.-NM