This silky red gives an initial impression of purity, with a core of cherry and strawberry fruit, accented by sandalwood, vanilla, stone and white pepper notes. Intense and fluid, showing fine harmony and excellent length. Smoke and mineral details grace the aftertaste. (BS)

Bright, dark red. Very ripe, musky nose combines purple fruits, mocha, brown spices and game, along with some subtle earth notes. The sweetest of these 2016s to this point but also fine-grained and elegant, with its intense fruit and soil flavors nicely framed by lively acidity. Very rich, dense and alive. Offers a classic Clos de la Roche combination of fruits, spices and soil character. (ST)

There is just enough reduction present to make clear that a thorough aeration should prove helpful. Importantly, the reduction does not extend to the palate of the lilting and highly energetic medium-bodied flavors that possess an exquisite texture while retaining good power and excellent length on the firm, impressively long and compact finale. This is clearly still improving and is a wine that is sufficiently backward that it needs, indeed requires, additional forbearance of at least another 5 years and 7 to 8 is more likely to be the case.