2019 Taupenot-Merme Charmes Chambertin

The 2019 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru has a straightforward, focused bouquet with brambly red fruit, briary and tea leaf aromas, though it just lacks the assertiveness and intensity you seek from a Grand Cru. The palate is better with a light spiced opening, good weight and cohesion with black pepper and sea salt infused red fruit. Quite Mazoyères in terms of structure towards the finish, this will benefit from 4-6 years in bottle. 93-95 points

Medium deep red, soft ripe strawberry nose, this is pretty powerful up front and a little bit warm at the back, and slightly lacking the necessary heart in the middle. For my taste better to have picked a couple of days earlier. 91-94 points