2017 Dugat-Py Gevrey Coeur de Roy TVV

Matured in two-thirds new oak, the 2017 Gevrey-Chambertin "Cuvée Coeur du Roy" has a very pure black cherry and boysenberry scented bouquet. The oak is neatly integrated and the 50% whole bunches impart a subtle undergrowth scent. The palate is packed full of sucrosity on the entry, slightly confit in style with macerated small black cherries, blueberry and a dash of white pepper towards the spicy finish. This will deserve five or six years in bottle, but there is very good potential here. 90-92 points

The 2017 Gevrey-Chambertin Coeur du Roy continues to show spectacularly, bursting from the glass with aromas of violet, cherries, cassis, subtle grilled meat and espresso roast. On the palate, it`s medium to full-bodied with broader shoulders and more density and structure than the finer-boned Evocelles, its rich tannins nicely cloaked in a core of pure and succulent fruit, concluding with a long finish. While it won`t demand as much bottle age as the 2016 or 2015 renditions, it will reward at least a handful of years of bottle age and drink well for two decades thereafter. This cuvée derives from vines between 50 and 108 years of age located in the lieux-dits Epointures, Combe du Dessus, Jouise and Les Marchais. It was vinified with around 40% whole cluster and matured in 60% new oak. 91-93 points

50- to 108-year-old vines. 20–25 hl/ha so not overworked but they still had to do a green harvest. Healthy because no mechanisation. Very few problems with esca but they prune late for the old vines (February) when the sap is rising. 50% new oak and 50% whole bunch. Prettier and more red-fruited on the nose than Les Evocelles. Supple and silky and beautifully fresh, the tannins more supple than on Les Evocelles. Again, the fruit is really ripe here but with no loss of freshness. There’s an honesty and integrity, without artifice. Needs time. 17 points