This is a standout Clos de Bèze with a sumptuous nose, dense layers of ripe fruit and an exorbitantly long finish. Strawberry preserves, cherry cobbler, fresh oak spice and a touch of mocha offer a profusion of flavor on the palate. Riveting in complexity and grandiose in class. Part of the domaine since the 1930s, the oldest vines here are now from 1949.

Starting out rather reserved, this red builds in intensity and complexity to the long, multifaceted finish. Cherry, blackberry, sandalwood, vanilla, iron and smoky spice aromas and flavors are the hallmarks, while the finish is seemingly endless. Classy, combining finesse and intensity. Best from 2029 through 2047.

The classic Clos de Bèze from Faiveley seemed lusher and more voluptuous than one might expect, with exuberant plum and blackberry fruit and suggestions of wood smoke, anise seed, and fresh peony. The texture was fleshy and dense, with the sweet fruit shining through on the palate. The grapes are from the domaine parcels in the centre of the vineyard that stretch the length of the slope (grands rangs) and the part nearest Chambertin just south of the Rousseau vines; they are fermented largely as whole clusters.(CC)