Gevrey Chambertin Lavaux Saint Jacques, Domaine Duroché 2016

The 2016 Gevrey-Chambertin Lavaut Saint-Jacques 1er Cru has certainly stepped up in intensity since I last tasted it. Redcurrant, cranberry, juniper berries and just a touch of mint, fine delineation with fine focus. The palate is medium-bodied with saturated tannins, perfectly judged acidity, a touch of allspice and white pepper, fanning out gloriously on the expansive finish. Time to raise my previous score. Tasted at Domaine Duroché.

Just 6 barrels from one hectare after frost. Pierre began picking on 23rd September with the Lavaut-St-Jacques brought in on 27th. The densest deepest colour to date. Very backward, tight but with such energy. Still so young, but even before putting it in the mouth the ‘regular’ 2016 feels as though it may surpass the 2015 Vieilles Vignes. All the power comes at the back of the palate, a wealth of deep fruit, a little firmness, the raspberry notes take on a slightly blacker tint further back. White pepper and crunch – you could believe whole bunch. Punchy!