Since 1868, Domaine Jacques Prieur has created one of the rarest mosaics of terroirs in Burgundy. Today it is probably the only estate owning vineyards on the greatest appellations both of Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits: Chambertin, Musigny, Clos Vougeot, Echézeaux, Corton, Meursault or Montrachet.
This amazing collection is completed by other prestigious appellations and three clos monopole sites.
Several of these phenomenal parcels of vines were snapped up at the turn of the 20th century by Jacques’ great uncle, while Jacques himself gained fame for instituting, with comtes Jules Lafon, the famous Paulée de Meursault, and as co-founder of the legendary Chevaliers du Tastevin. Current custodians, the Labruyère family of southern Burgundy, became involved in 1988 when, unified with four other prominent French families, it rescued the estate from falling into the hands of foreign investors.
The domaine, which switched to 100% organic viticulture in 2000, is nowadays run Edouard Labruyère alongside the heirs of the Prieur family. The warm and acutely intelligent Nadine Gublin serves as oenologist, a position she has held since 1990. Steeped in tradition and armed with a quality-at-all-costs philosophy, the lofty standards of this great domaine keep on climbing.
WHITES
BOURGOGNE
2016 Jacques Prieur Bourgogne Blanc RRP $79
From vines close to the domaine in Meursault. No new oak.
Smells both creamy and crisply citrus with a light cedary edge. Chalky, fresh and pretty intense for a Bourgogne. Moreish, chalky-textured finish. 16/20 Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com January 2018
2015 Jacques Prieur Bourgogne Blanc RRP $79
Cask sample. Organic. Lots of lemon and pear fruit as if straight from the tank. Creamy lees texture, soft but fresh, lovely balance. 15.5/20 Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com January 2017
PREMIER CRU
2016 Jacques Prieur Beaune 1er Cru Clos de la Féguine Monopole RRP $190
0.27Ha plot with south exposure on a very steep slope of thin, light brown, light loams and clay-limestone soil, with plenty of cracked limestone running through. Perfect drainage. Élevage 17 months.
The 2016 Beaune 1er Cru Clos de la Féguine Blanc, one new barrel out of six, offers brioche, green apple and light gravel scents on the nose. The palate is well balanced with a fine line of acidity, a slight honeyed note with a very pure and caressing finish. This becomes more and more appealing the longer you are acquainted with it. Recommended. 89-91 points. Neal Martin, Wine Advocate December 2017
2016 Jacques Prieur Beaune 1er Cru Champs-Pimont Blanc RRP $153
1.42Ha parcel. East-oriented Chardonnay on the upper part has chalky soil giving originality and minerality, with saline notes typical on the finish. 17 months in oak.
A whiff of the exotic can be found on the aromas of white peach, floral, pear, citrus and mineral reduction. There is a bit more mid-palate volume to the round yet reasonably precise middle weight flavors that coat the palate with dry extract on the slightly more complex and persistent finale. 89-91 points. Allen Meadows, Burghound June 2018
2016 Jacques Prieur Meursault 1er Cru Santenots RRP $247
East exposure with deep soil alternating between limestone and limestone agglomerates with clear marl and silt – a balance between earth and stone that tends to make for a highly mineral wine. 16-year old-vines. 20 months’ élevage.
The 2016 Meursault 1er Cru Santenots felt a little muffled on the nose compared to some of Prieur’s Beaune premier crus. The palate is well balanced with a fine bead of acidity that lends tension, although I find this is missing some complexity on the finish, albeit redeemed partly by the salinity on the aftertaste. This would be more for early drinking. 86-88 points. Neal Martin, Wine Advocate December 2017
2016 Jacques Prieur Meursault Clos de Mazeray Village Monopole RRP $190
Large (2.87Ha) walled vineyard in Meursault with soil of chalky clay-limestone laid on an old river bed. 10% new oak, though most of the wine is in large barrels resembling Alsace foudres. 20 months’ élevage.
(55% of the potential crop was lost to frost): Palish yellow with a green tinge. Lime and flowers on the nose. Dense and spicy in the mouth, still holding a good bit of gas and a bit chunky today as a result. At once saline and crunchy, showing an exotic suggestion of lemon drop and little easy sweetness. Finishes firm. 87-89 points. Stephen Tanzer, Vinous Media January 2018
2016 Jacques Prieur Meursault 1er Cru Perrières RRP $536
0.28Ha parcel on a slope with full east exposure and very thin soil (15-20cm) and very calcareous base with sheets of limestone. Full malolactic conversion and 19 months’ élevage in 30% new oak.
(12.8% natural alcohol; 20% lost to frost): Pale medium-yellow. Expressive nose combines lemon zest, lime, flowers, banana, passion fruit and mango. Then surprisingly strong and brisk on entry, displaying serious mid-palate thickness cut by firm mineral-driven acidity. This rather suave, sexy 2016 finishes with an impression of dusty minerality and lovely lift. 91-93 points. Stephen Tanzer, Vinous Media January 2018
2016 Jacques Prieur Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Combettes RRP $313
Facing south-east, this 1.5 hectare plot has clay-limestone soil with a strong presence of pebbles. Whole bunch-pressed, settled over 12 to 14 hours and then full barrel fermentation (about 30% new). 100% MLF. 17 months’ élevage.
The 2016 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Combettes has a higher quantity than even the 2015, perplexing to Edouard Labruyère. It has a rip-roaring, vivacious, energetic bouquet that is surfeit with energy and frisson—so effervescent. The palate is well balanced with crisp acidity, very good weight in the mouth, fine tension with a precise and quite sustained finish, although it almost seems overshadowed by the aromatics at the moment. 90-92 points. Neal Martin, Wine Advocate December 2017
2013 Jacques Prieur Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Combettes RRP $288
(15% new oak; 12.25% alcohol; not much hail here in 2013): Pale, bright yellow. Aromas of noble herbs, flowers and spicy oak are lifted by a limey topnote. Dense, sharply chiseled flavors of lemon zest, white pepper and flowers are energized by a firm rocky underpinning; more taut and energetic than normal for this cru. Lovely inner-mouth perfume here. 92 points. Stephen Tanzer, Vinous Media September 2015
GRAND CRU
2016 Jacques Prieur Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru RRP $742
100% Chardonnay from a 0.22-hectare parcel. Vines located on the hill of Corton. Oriented full east, it overlooks the villages of Ladoix-Serrigny and climbs to the edge of the woods. The soil is steep and very chalky, a guarantee of intense minerality. The grapes are harvested by hand in small crates, then whole bunches are pressed in a pneumatic press. The juice is cold settled after pressing for 12 to 14 hours. Alcoholic fermentation and ageing are 100% in new oak barrels. Full MLF. Élevage of 21 months.
A commendably subtle application of wood easily allows the super-fresh aromas of Granny Smith apples, lemongrass and white floral scents to be appreciated. There is arguably even better richness to the almost painfully intense and vibrant big-bodied flavors that coat the palate with dry extract on the overtly stony, muscular, chiseled and linear finish. This excellent effort is presently very compact and is going to require at least 5-ish years to flesh out and unwind but it should be well-worth the wait. 92-94 points. Allen Meadows, Burghound June 2018
2016 Jacques Prieur Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru RRP $1435
From a 0.13-hectare parcel. Upper slope, full eastern exposure. Soil thin, stony. Outcrop of white marl. The grapes are harvested by hand in small crates, then whole bunches are pressed in a pneumatic press. The juice is cold settled after pressing for 12 to 14 hours. Alcoholic fermentation and ageing are 100% in new oak barrels. Full MLF. Élevage of 21 months.
Bright yellow. Expressive aromas of lemon zest, mandarin orange, peach, fresh apricot and crushed rock. Suave and fine-grained on entry, then rich and stylish in the middle, with flavors of white peach and smoked meat given shape by bright acidity. Nicely combines finesse and structure in the way of the best examples from this grand cru. Finishes saline, tactile and alive, with excellent drive. (Incidentally, the estate’s vines in Montrachet were “massacred,” according to Nadine Gublin, but Domaine Prieur will still bottle a small quantity of wine.) 92-95 points. Stephen Tanzer, Vinous Media January 2018
2016 Jacques Prieur Montrachet Grand Cru RRP $2475
From a 0.59-hectare parcel. Very sunny, mid-slope, perfect drainage. East/southeast exposure. Thin, stony soil, higher in sodium. Outcrop of white marl. The grapes are harvested by hand in small crates, then whole bunches are pressed in a pneumatic press. The juice is cold settled after pressing for 12 to 14 hours. Alcoholic fermentation and ageing are 100% in new oak barrels. Full MLF. Élevage of 21 months.
Much fresher and admirably pure aromas are comprised by notes of honeysuckle, citrus, pear and white peach. There is outstanding richness and volume to the equally pure, intense and detailed broad-shouldered flavors that brim with minerality on the delineated, focused and notably dry finish. This impeccably well-balanced effort should reward at least 10 years of cellar time and is very much a Montrachet of power but also refinement. In a word, magnificent. 93-95 points. Allen Meadows, Burghound June 2018
2011 Jacques Prieur Montrachet Grand Cru RRP $2722
Tasted blind at the Burgundy 2011 horizontal tasting in Beaune. The Montrachet Grand Cru 2011 from Jacques Prieur has a more powerful bouquet than the Marquis de Laguiche, although it is not quite as refined. Touches of slate start to evolve with aeration — dried yellow flowers and hints of wild honey with time in the glass. The palate is very well balanced with well-judged acidity, a little riper and more powerful than Marc Colin’s Montrachet, but a little blunter and slightly more oxidative in style. Grilled walnut and smoke adorn the vivacious finish that is long, but just missing that killer penetration. 94 points. Neal Martin, Wine Advocate November 2014
REDS
2013 Jacques Prieur Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru RRP $305
0.49 hectare plot with full east exposure, with deep, highly evolved soil that is brown on the surface and has large blocks of cracked limestone in the subsoil. 20 months’ élevage. Three of the eight barrels were new.
Once again a notably ripe nose is composed of liqueur-like aromas that include plum, cassis, spice and cool sauvage nuances. The supple and seductively textured medium weight flavors possess a lovely sense of underlying tension and good minerality that continues onto the mildly austere, persistent and well-balanced finale. This too should be approachable young if you don’t have the patience to wait the 8 to 10 years that will be necessary for the tannins to resolve. 90-92 points. Allen Meadows, Burghound April 2015
2012 Jacques Prieur Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru RRP $379
This is unusually spicy for what is essentially a young vines Chambertin with good freshness to the pretty array of cherry, raspberry and earth aromas. There is good richness to the vibrant and mineral-inflected middle weight flavors that possess a lovely mouth feel, all wrapped in a juicy yet serious finish that displays a trace of austerity. This should drink well after 5 years or so of bottle age. 89-92 points. Allen Meadows, Burghound April 2014
2016 Jacques Prieur Beaune 1er Cru Grèves RRP $206
Beautiful plot overlooking the suburbs of Beaune. Clay-limestone soil with predominance of small pebbles and sand. The silica contained in the latter promotes heat and light, aiding ripening.
(just 12% potential alcohol at harvest, from badly frosted east-facing vines that produced just 12 hectoliters per hectare; 100% destemmed, like the Beaune Clos de la Féguine): Bright red-ruby. Pure but subdued aromas of black cherry and licorice. Dense and rich, conveying a lovely impression of sucrosité along with hints of anise and saline minerality. Surprisingly relaxed for such a low-yield wine. Very concentrated, serious Beaune premier cru with slowly building salty persistence. 90-92 points. Stephen Tanzer, Vinous Media January 2018
2012 Jacques Prieur Beaune 1er Cru Grèves RRP $231
Medium red. Tight aromas of red berries and menthol. A step up in energy and cut from the Clos de la Feguine, with small dark berry flavors accented by subtle spices. The brisk finish features fine-grained tannins and a lingering note of licorice. 90 points. Stephen Tanzer, Vinous Media March 2015
2016 Jacques Prieur Beaune 1er Cru Clos de La Féguine Rouge RRP $190
1.59Ha plot on a very steep slope with south exposure. Thin, light brown, light loamy and clay-limestone soil over lots of cracked limestone running through. Perfect drainage. 100% destemmed. Élevage 16 months.
As is usually the case this is more aromatically elegant with its cooler and more restrained nose of ripe red and black cherry along with very subtle spice and earth wisps. There is a much more refined mouth feel to the tighter and stonier flavors that possess a beguiling sense of underlying tension, all wrapped in a chiseled and linear finish. Lovely stuff. 89-91. Allen Meadows, Burghound June 2018
2016 Jacques Prieur Beaune 1er Cru Champs-Pimont Rouge RRP $173
This large plot with the name meaning “fields at the foot of the hill” climbs the hillside behind Beaune, towards Pommard. This vines have full south exposure, and produce both white and red wine. The Pinot Noir in its lower part has plenty of clay in the soil, giving powerful wines with colour, while the high proportion of iron often brings out smoky notes. 30% new oak.
The 2016 Beaune 1er Cru Champs Pimont was also impacted by the frost. 50% of the production was saved but they decided not to destem one of the blocks in order to maintain volume. The whole stem addition works well on the nose, quite natural and refined, dark berry fruit mixed with sous bois and rose petals. The palate is medium-bodied with supple, ripe tannin, fresh in the mouth, crisp and focused with a bright, tensile finish that is a joy. This comes recommended—excellent. 90-92 points. Neal Martin, Wine Advocate December 2017
2015 Jacques Prieur Beaune 1er Cru Champs-Pimont Rouge RRP $173
(just 17 hectoliters per hectare produced, as this Beaune vineyard suffered most from hail in 2014 and 2013): Dark red with ruby highlights. Penetrating aromas of black raspberry, violet, spices, smoky tobacco and graphite showcase the red clay soil of the site. Plush, fine-grained and energetic, with captivating dark berry, black cherry, spice and mineral flavors dominating. Finishes juicy, sappy and long, with lovely acidity and substantial firm, late-arriving tannins. This thick, sweet, vibrant wine has 14% alcohol with 3.8 grams per liter of tartaric acidity. Nicely primary. 91 points. Stephen Tanzer, Vinous Media January 2018
2016 Jacques Prieur Pommard 1er Cru Les Charmots RRP $322
100% Pinot Noir from holdings of 0.27 hectares, coming from two small parcels located on the mid-slope overlooking the 1er cru Les Epenots. The site has ideal east exposure on a well-drained, shallow, stony soil consisting of marly limestone. 21 days in the open wooden vat at controlled temperature; plunged twice a day during alcoholic fermentation. 17 months’ élevage in oak. 100% whole bunches in 2016.
(100% vendange entier; one of the three barrels was new, the other ones two years old): Dark red with ruby tones. Very spicy, high-pitched nose combines dark berries, licorice, flowers and wild herbs. Savory, fine-grained wine with a distinct saltiness and no rough edges. Finishes with firm, well-buffered tannins and lovely rising perfume. A classy Pommard in the making. The whole clusters worked much better here than in the 2015, which began with too much dry material owing to the tiny crop level (7.4 h/h in 2015, vs. 25.3 in ’16), noted Nadine Gublin. 90-92 points. Stephen Tanzer, Vinous Media January 2018
2016 Jacques Prieur Volnay 1er Cru Santenots RRP $280
0.59Ha plot within Jacques Prieur’s Clos des Santenots monopole, with vines planted in 1997.
There is just enough reduction to shave the top notes from the otherwise clearly ripe aromas of plum, dark cherry and discreet spice whiffs. The delicious and again highly energetic medium weight flavors reflect a lovely texture if not great density on the balanced finish. 89-91 points. Allen Meadows, Burghound June 2018
2016 Jacques Prieur Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Santenots Monopole RRP $380
1.19Ha parcel in in the heart of Santenots du Milieu, on brown soil, rich in manganese, over hard limestone. The slope has perfect natural drainage and has full east exposure. Totally destemmed. The vatting lasted 21 days at controlled temperature in open wooden vats, with pigeage twice a day during the active phase of the alcoholic fermentation. 17 months’ élevage.
From a 0.75-hectare parcel of 65-year-old vines, the 2016 Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Santenots was not destemmed since the bottom part of the parcel was hit by frost. It has a fragrant bouquet, very floral and more Volnay-like compared to the Volnay Santenots, just more personality and expression. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, a lovely silver bead of acidity, very harmonious with a poised, mineral-driven finish. Superb. 91-93 points. Neal Martin, Wine Advocate December 2017
GRAND CRU
2016 Jacques Prieur Chambertin Grand Cru RRP $1336
0.49Ha plot with deep and highly evolved soil, brown on the surface. Large blocks of cracked limestone below; full east exposure. Totally destemmed and with 18 days at controlled temperature in wooden vats; pigeage twice a day during the active phase of the alcoholic fermentation. Élevage in 100% new oak for 20 months.
More subtle if not invisible wood treatment surrounds the spicy blend of both red and dark currant, earth and sauvage wisps. The highly energetic, sleek and intensely mineral-suffused large-scaled flavors possess fine mid-palate density and excellent power that continues onto the palate coating, youthfully austere and very, very tightly wound finish. This too is excellent but again, plenty of patience will absolutely be necessary. 92-95 points. Allen Meadows, Burghound June 2018
2013 Jacques Prieur Chambertin Grand Cru RRP $1336
Not surprisingly the aromatic profile here is similar to that of the Gevrey 1er though with a bit more ripeness and complexity as well as notably more spice elements. There is markedly more density and power to the more imposingly scaled flavors yet there is no sense of undue weight, particularly on the balanced and beautifully long finale. I very much like the texture and this wine is the epitome of power without weight. In short, this is good stuff. 92-95 points. Allen Meadows, Burghound April 2015
2016 Jacques Prieur Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru RRP $487
Clay dominates this terroir, which produces powerful and structured wines which are a little rustic in their early youth. Jacques Prieur’s roughly 1Ha is “at the top of the bottom of the Clos” 30% whole bunches here.
(at 13% potential alcohol, this cuvée was the highest in octane in 2016 and was not chaptalized; these vines were affected by frost–the yield was 24 hectoliters per hectare–but not to the same extent as the estate’s Echézeaux and Musigny): Dark red with ruby tones. Captivating, ripe, soil-driven nose shows savory mineral and spice nuances. Silky on entry, then fine-grained and elegant in the middle palate, with nothing hard or rustic about it. Cherry and redcurrant fruit flavors are complicated by saline mineral notes and a suggestion of anise. Finishes with full, mounting, harmonious tannins and lovely energy and length. Very classic Clos Vougeot. 91-94 points. Stephen Tanzer, Vinous Media January 2018
2012 Jacques Prieur Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru RRP $536
This is aromatically more elegant with its relatively refined nose of various red berries, earth and sandalwood hints. There is an equally refined mouth feel to the attractively delineated, intense and seductively textured medium weight flavors that possess excellent depth and persistence on the lingering finish that is less austere than usual. This is really very good and worth checking out. 91-94 points. Allen Meadows, Burghound April 2014
2010 Jacques Prieur Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru RRP $618
(this was the last 2010 to be bottled here, in July of 2012): Good bright red. Very fresh aromas of cherry, rose petal, menthol and spicy oak. Juicy on entry, then powerfully structured in the middle, with menthol, mineral and spice flavors showing buns of steel. Little in the way of easy sweetness here. Finishes with a powerful spine of chewy, building tannins and an element of fresh herbs. According to winemaker Gublin, this wine has been getting more floral in recent vintages, as the presence of grass between the rows now absorbs excess water. Austere today but I would expect this to merit a higher score with ten years of aging. 92+ points. Stephen Tanzer, Vinous Media March 2013
2016 Jacques Prieur Musigny Grand Cru RRP $2145
It’s of the greatest terroirs of the Côte de Nuits on a fault overlooking the Clos de Vougeot and adjoining the Combe d’Orveau. With a southeast exposure and a confined, sunny micro-climate, the parcel has thin, light soil with a strong presence of stones, guaranteeing good drainage. 100% destemmed. Aged in new oak barrels for 20 months.
A brooding and beautifully complex nose of spiced plum and a remarkably broad mix of dark berry fruit scents is trimmed in a background application of wood. The opulent, rich, round, velvety and wonderfully refined middle weight flavors display excellent mid-palate density and impressive volume on the superbly long finish where a touch of menthol appears. This too is really very good but note well that it’s indisputably built-to-age. 92-94 points. Allen Meadows, Burghound June 2018
2012 Jacques Prieur Musigny Grand Cru RRP $2227
The 2012 Musigny Grand Cru comes from Prieur’s 0.77-hectare parcel located in the southern section of the grand cru close to Clos de Vougeot. This year it deigned the world with 9 barrels of which seven were new. It clearly has the most sophisticated, complex bouquet of the domaine’s reds in 2012 adorned with blackberry, raspberry leaf, creme de cassis, minerals and incense. The palate is medium-bodied with fine delineation. This has a firm backbone that lends this Musigny a sense of masculinity and sternness, a 2012 that demands you come back in 2022. Very focused with fine mineralite on the finish, this should be cellared away for a number of years. Finally, there is the small matter (literally) of what to my knowledge is one of the most elusive wines in Burgundy. 94-96 points. Neal Martin, Wine Advocate December 2013
2011 Jacques Prieur Musigny Grand Cru RRP $2227
Tasted blind at the Burgundy 2011 horizontal tasting in Beaune. The Musigny 2011 from Jacques Prieur displays more red fruit on the nose compared the blue fruit found elsewhere in this flight of blind Chambolle Amoureuses and Musigny 2011s. It is beautifully defined, perhaps a touch earthier than its peers, with a slight meatiness developing in the glass, subsequently wild heather and broom. The palate is medium-bodied with supple ripe, quite toasty tannins. There is impressive depth here, although it does not quite possess tip-top finesse and delineation on the finish. Still, this is very fine and here, under blind conditions, out-manoeuvred some of the more revered names. 95 points. Neal Martin, Wine Advocate November 2014
2016 Jacques Prieur Corton Bressandes Grand Cru RRP $462
0.73Ha plot on the hill of grands crus of Corton. Southeast orientation and slight gradient for its clay-limestone soil with stones. 100% destemmed; élevage 17 months.
(no frost here; this site was picked after the Chambertin in 2016, on October 3 and 4, with potential alcohol of 12% and a yield of 35 hectoliters per hectare): Bright, dark red-ruby. Brisk aromas of black cherry and licorice accented by black pepper and pungent minerality. The sappy flavors of small wild red berries and spices are quite primary but with its suavity and sweetness this young wine already shows considerable early appeal. This distinctly airy Corton grand cru finishes with firm but fully ripe tannins and lovely lingering spiciness. My style of Burgundy. 92-94 points. Stephen Tanzer, Vinous Media January 2018
2012 Jacques Prieur Corton Bressandes Grand Cru RRP $487
Good deep red. Lovely perfume of small red berries, spices, minerals and earth. Suave, fine-grained and fresh, showing a restrained sweetness to its sharply delineated flavors of red berries, cherries, licorice and earth accented by flowers and minerals. Elegantly styed Corton with a slowly mounting finish featuring gentle tannins and excellent sappy, smoky length. Really leaves the salivary glands vibrating. This should develop gracefully and last well. 93 points. Stephen Tanzer, Vinous Media March 2015
LABRUYÉRE-PRIEUR SÉLECTION
2016 Labruyère-Prieur Sélection Bourgogne Rouge RRP $64
Very old vines in Maranges.
A brooding and ripe if attractively fresh nose combines notes of plum, violet and earth. The rich, concentrated and entirely serious medium weight and solidly dense flavors deliver fine depth and length on the mildly rustic finish where a hint of warmth surfaces. This is really very good and would make a fine choice for a house red. 87 points. Allen Meadows, Burghound April 2018
2015 Labruyère-Prieur Sélection Bourgogne Rouge RRP $64
Very old vines in Maranges.
2015 Labruyère-Prieur Sélection Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Les Fontenys RRP $247
Very old vines on ‘elegant’ limestone.
Full, dark red. Aromas of strawberry, spices and graphite. Juicy dark fruit, menthol and mineral flavors are youthfully tight, showing limited give for a 2015. The tannins of this savory wine turn dustier with air. Needs time. 89+ points. Stephen Tanzer, Vinous Media January 2018
2016 Labruyère-Prieur Sélection Griottes-Chambertin Grand Cru RRP $858
Bright, dark red. Much more aromatic than the Charmes-Chambertin, with its aromas of raspberry and cherry crisp lifted by mineral high notes. Dense but juicy and light on its feet, with its perfumed red fruit and mineral flavors complemented by a hint of cocoa powder. Lovely classy, airy, very long Griottes: slightly tart in a positive way but with ripe tannins. 92-94 points. Stephen Tanzer, Vinous Media January 2018
2015 Labruyère-Prieur Sélection Griottes-Chambertin Grand Cru RRP $858
(20% vendange entier): Bright red. Musky, slightly wild aromas of raspberry, redcurrant, tobacco and dried flowers. Juicy, intense and imploded, but without any hard edges. Plenty ripe but quite dry owing to its savory soil tones and slatey minerality. The wine’s fresh raspberry fruit carries nicely through a brisk, well-delineated finish supported by a firm spine of tannins. Not a fat style but tactile and elegant. 93 points. Stephen Tanzer, Vinous Media January 2018
2016 Labruyère-Prieur Sélection Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru RRP $709
From very old vines in the centre of the grand cru.
(there is no Gevrey-Chambertin Les Fontenys in 2016 due to hail): Bright, dark red. Slightly reduced aromas of redcurrant, dried flowers and earth. Sweet and sappy, with its fresh currant and cherry fruit flavors complicated by smoky, iron-like soil tones. Finishes saline and firmly tannic. A bit hard to taste today as the wine needs a racking. But then this wine will not be bottled until June. 90-92 points. Stephen Tanzer, Vinous Media January 2018
2015 Labruyère-Prieur Sélection Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru RRP $709
(13.5% alcohol; from very old vines in true Charmes that typically produce small, concentrated grapes, according to Nadine Gublin): Deep, bright ruby-red. Slightly high-toned aromas of black cherry, licorice and minerals. Rich, savory, slightly medicinal flavors of black cherry, flowers and underbrush. The tannins are substantial but arrive late. This concentrated, saline wine displays lovely violet lift on the subtly long finish but will require patience. 91 points. Stephen Tanzer, Vinous Media January 2018