Clos de la Roche, Domaine Dujac 2015

Here the equally restrained nose is at once more deeply pitched and a bit more complex as well with its mélange of dark currant, newly turned earth, game, sandalwood and violet aromas. There is excellent mid-palate concentration present on the muscular and powerful big-bodied flavors that possess impressive focus and persistence on the hugely long finale. This too will require extended cellaring to resolve the firm tannic spine.

Domaine Dujac's 2015 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru is wonderful, one of the stars of the range this year, wafting from the glass with a kaleidoscopically complex bouquet of blackberry, cassis, cinnamon, dried rose, orange peel and pencil lead. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, multidimensional and complete, with a deep core, fine-grained tannins and perfect balance, its finish long and sapid. While this is concentrated—even powerful—it is also beautifully elegant, avoiding the overt muscularity of which this grand cru is capable.

The 2015 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru has been aged in 80% new oak, though frankly it was difficult to discern since it was so enmeshed. The nose is beautifully defined, perhaps more precise than the Clos Saint-Denis, with crystalline red cherry and strawberry fruit, cold limestone and violet scents. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, stunning balance and beguiling purity towards the finish that has immense grace and tension. This is one of the finest Clos de la Roche of the 2015 vintage.