Charmes Chambertin, Domaine Coquard Loison-Fleurot 2020

The 2020 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru had only finished its malolactic two weeks before my visit. Though I spent time with the sample from barrel, I think it was just a bit too soon to really get a reading on the nose. The palate is more expressive and harmonious: crunchy black cherry and blueberry fruit, fine structure, a touch of white pepper leaving the mouth tingling on the finish. Give this 4-6 years in bottle because there is a fine Charmes-Chambertin here. 2026 - 2048

A vivid and vibrant fresh purple, reflecting the low pH (3.30). The nose is exuberant and vivacious at the same time. This is a late malolactic wine and has been reduced, but not today. Despite the thick texture and super charged raspberry, signs of higher alcohol (in fact 15%) I don’t feel any specific heat and the Charmes-Chambertin shows a pretty long finish. Tasted: November 2021

This is the first wine to exhibit any appreciable reduction and it's enough to knock down the nose. More interesting are the rich, vibrant and intense larger-scaled flavors that possess very good mid-palate concentration before terminating in an even firmer, powerful and impressively long quality. This also appears to offer very fine quality in a built-to-age package. Note: from a .35 ha holding near the bottom of Mazoyères Drink: 2035+