Richebourg, Domaine Anne-Francoise Gros 2015

The 2015 Richebourg Grand Cru has a drop-dead gorgeous bouquet: so pure, so refined, so delineated! The scents are not powerful or ostentatious, but they unfold with each swirl of the glass, revealing astonishing mineralité. The palate is extraordinarily well defined. There is a patina of new oak to be subsumed, but it is still extremely detailed. A surprising seam of white pepper and spice becomes more conspicuous toward the long finish. Unquestionably a wine that stops you in your tracks. Tasted blind at the annual Burgfest tasting.

**Note: the Richebourg parcel now totals .6 ha after it was combined with the vines that formerly belonged to Michel Gros, which he agreed to exchange so that he could retain the Vosne 1er Clos de Réas as a monopole. The Richebourg vines have been replanted 3 times and they are now 15+, 25+ and 70+ years of age**
Prominent, but not dominant, oak and menthol characters are present on the ultra-spicy nose of attractively fresh red and dark cherry aromas that are trimmed in tea, sandalwood and hoisin nuances. The bigger, richer and more mineral-driven flavors also coat the palate with sappy dry extract on the overtly powerful and driving finish that goes on and on. This is not a huge version of the appellation but the focus and sense of harmony are certainly admirable. Patience required.