Here the expressive nose is also relatively deeply pitched with its interplay of spice and earth nuances that add breadth to the plum, black cherry and soft game and humus hints. There is outstanding volume to the sleek medium-bodied flavors that possess a supple mid-palate thanks to the abundant amount of dry extract though the finish immediately tightens up on the beautifully well-balanced but notably firm finale. This is textbook Pruliers that is not only built-to-age but is going to need at least 8 to 10 years of it.

Dark red. Very ripe but reticent nose conveys liqueur-like cherry and dark berry aromas plus a hint of dark chocolate. Powerful, rich and mouthfilling but classically dry, with the impression of chocolatey ripeness carrying through in the mouth. Quite outsized for this cuvée, possessing considerable baby fat. The substantial dusty tannins arrive late, allowing the wine's dark fruit and saline soil tones to build on the aftertaste. According to Bertrand Chevillon, this estate lost 50% to 80% of its normal volume to frost in 2016, depending on the cru, with yields typically ranging from 10 to 20 hectoliters per hectare. Mildew was not an issue, he said. The harvest took place between September 24 and October 2, and the estate’s trio of top crus (Les Cailles, Les Vaucrains and Les Saint-Georges) came in with potential alcohol levels between 12.5% and 13.2%. Chevillon destemmed all of the fruit, as always, noting that “vinifying with whole clusters would change our style.” The wines stood out in January for their sappy energy and purity. Chevillon describes his ‘16s as “very rich, concentrated, classic vins de garde.-(ST)