2016 Mazy-Chambertin Grand Cru Domaine Frédéric Esmonin

(.33 ha of 40+ year old vines). A completely different nose speaks of more deeply pitched aromas of dark currant, plum, underbrush and a healthy dose of the warm earth and the sauvage. The impressively rich, full-bodied and powerful flavors display a sleek muscularity and once again ample minerality that continues onto the sappy, persistent and serious finale. This is also very good and should easily reward 12 to 15 years of cellaring. 93/2028+

Bright dark red. Very dark but aromatic nose combines blackberry, blueberry, sweet new spicy oak and licorice lifted by a violet topnote. Silky and fine-grained on entry, then still a bit youthfully medicinal in the middle palate, with ripe dark fruit and violet flavors dominating. A sexy savory complexity promises much ahead but this is tight today. Finishes with juicy acidity, serious but smooth tannins that dust the front teeth, and sneaky building length. Perhaps not as concentrated or powerful as the 2015 version but delineated, fresh and very well done.

Red Kirsch, wild cherry and strawberry flavors are the hallmarks of this monolithic red. Earth, spice and graphite accents add complexity as this flashes muscle on the solid finish. Shows the svelte character of the vintage despite the density and power. Best from 2025 through 2050. From France.- B.S.