RICHEBOURG

(from a .55 ha parcel; 30% whole cluster). A strikingly floral-suffused nose offers up a mix of violet, lavender and rose petal that adds elegance to the panoply of spicy dark fruit aromas. There is an almost painful intensity to the beautifully well-detailed big-bodied and superbly mineral-driven flavors that possess a gorgeous mouthfeel, indeed the mid-palate is almost lacy, that gives way to a wall of tannin on the serious, powerful and breathtakingly long finish. This stunner of a Richebourg is also going to require extended keeping as it’s very, very tightly wound today. Drinking range: 2034 - Rating: 92-95 Allen Meadows, www.Burghound.com (Jan 2018)

(Liger-Belair lost 40% of the crop here, noting that mildew was more of an issue than frost in Vosne-Romanée in 2016; vinified with 30% whole clusters, the highest percentage to date for this cuvée): Bright ruby-red red. Very expressive and less tight on the nose than usual (due to the stem influence?), offering sweet aromas of boysenberry, cassis and licorice. Compellingly sweet and sappy, showing considerable sweetness leavened by a saline quality. Not as unrelievedly black as the last couple of wines, and a bit less dominated by its structure than it appeared to be in barrel in late 2016. Finishes with terrific breadth, substantial totally ripe tannins and a touch of chocolatey ripeness. Surprisingly approachable today but probably deceptively so. Rating: 92-95 Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar (Jan 2018)

The 2016 Richebourg Grand Cru includes 30% whole cluster fruit, the highest at the domaine ever, which Thibaut said combined all the elements of the vineyard together. There was just a slight reduction on the nose, though underneath lies intense blackberry and raspberry fruit, hints of truffle and cedar and then later subtle white flower scents. This seems to gather momentum in the glass, and it fans out beautifully on the regal finish. It will clearly require some time in bottle, so find a berth for this in your cellar and then forget about it. Not forever. Just say 8 to 10 years for it to show its pedigree. Drinking range: 2022 - 2048 Rating: 94-96 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Dec 2017)

Planted in 1934 and 1936…this is very well placed. The soil is very diverse. 40% whole bunch. “Much more whole bunch than usual and has made it more open and less shy” There is gorgeous fruit, tea and herbs and spice - actually showing really well with luscious depth and intensity. Satin texture. The is excellent intensity in the core. Fine focused finish with notes of jasmine. Power with elegance. This is a sumptuous wine. Drinking range: 2024 - Rating: 19.85 Sarah Marsh MW, The Burgundy Briefing (Nov 2017)