Most experts agree, this very high quality Burgundy vintage produced amazingly charming ripe reds. A very warm vintage offering deep coloured Burgundies bursting with ripe berry flavours and velvety tannins. According to Revue du Vin de France: because of low yields, quality is outstanding. Reds with great aging potential that will surprise many Burgundy afficionados (17/20). During my last visit to Burgundy (2017) the 2015 Crus tasted were quite rich, full and very seductive. The key, was the tail end of the growing season (very warm and sunny), producing perfectly ripe and healthy grapes.
At Les Conseillers du Vin, we decided to evaluate this potentially great Burgundy vintage by tasting a selection of wines from reputed producers to assess quality level and aging potential. As usual a group of 16 experienced tasters analyzed seven (7) red Burgundies plus a mystery wine in the usual blind tasting format.
Results: To establish the order of preference of the tasting panel, 3 points were awarded to a first place vote, 2 pts for a 2nd place vote and 1pt for a 3rd place vote.
Most of the participants seemed very satisfied with the style and potential of the wines. Many also agreed the wines were still quite young and needed a few years of bottle maturation to express their full potential. The surprising favourite of the group was the mystery wine: Felton Road Block 5 2015 Pinot Noir from Central Otago, New-Zealand (23 pts). Finishing in second spot with 16 points was Santenay 1er Cru Clos Tavannes from Domaine de la Pousse d’Or and third was Corton Grand Cru Clos du Roi from Camille Giroud with 14 points. There was no real disappointment, but some participants were unsure of wines 7 and 8. My top three wines were: 1- Corton Grand Cru Clos du Roi Camille Giroud, 2- Santenay 1er Cru Clos Tavannes from Domaine de la Pousse d’Or 3- Felton Road Block 5 2015 Pinot Noir. See my tasting notes below.
The wines : Order of blind tasting:
1-Pinot Noir Block 5 Felton Road, Central Otago, New-Zealand (Group score: 23 pts)
The mystery wine of the tasting. Only (4) participants identified it as the odd man out and five (5) chose it as their favourite. Overall a very well crafted wine with excellent aging potential (5 to 8 years). Lots of ripe spicy fruit with a hint of vegetal. Good extract and character with freshness and length. My rating: 92/100
2- Beaune 1er Cru Bressandes, Domaine Rapet Père & Fils (Group score: 12 pts)
Spicy oaky scents still dominate the ripe berry fruit aromas. A solid structure of slightly firm tannins for good aging (6 to 8 years). Very youthful, good extract, a bit austere, slight bitter finish, needs time! My rating: 90/100
3- Volnay 1er Cru Santenots, Pierre Morey (Group Score: 4 pts)
Surprising freshness (acidity) for such a warm and ripe vintage. Rich and structured with solid tannins. Good potential (5 to 7 years). A bit of oxidation on the nose! Maybe a slightly off bottle, should be tasted again. My rating: 90+?/100
4- Santenay 1er Cru Clos Tavannes Domaine de la Pousse d’Or (Group score: 16 pts)
One of my favourite wines of the tasting. Deeply coloured. Superb Pinot nose brimming with ripe berry scents. Great mouthfeel, depth and richness with good structure. Well balanced with good length and potential (5 to 8 years). My rating: 93/100
5- Nuits Saint-Georges Les Damodes, Anne Gros (Group score: 12 pts)
Lovely spicy-fruity nose with some oak. Fairly well balanced, lively acidity, some potential (4 to 5 years). Needs time, a bit austere for now. My rating: 91/00
6- Corton Grand Cru Le Clos du Roi, Camille Giroud (Group score : 14 pts)
Superb wine, my favourite of the tasting. Lovely nose displaying charming fruity and mineral scents. Good extract, but remains elegant and fresh. Very good length and aging potential (5 to 8 years). My rating: 94/100
7- Pommard 1er Cru Les Croix Noires, Domaine de Courcel (Group score: 5 pts)
Some viewed it as a disappointing wine because of its firm and aggressive tannins. Still oaky with some ripe berry scents. Heavily structured, seemed to lack elegance. Might get better with time, but not well balanced. My rating: 89+?/100
8- Chambolle-Musigny Vieilles Vignes, Domaine Perrot-Minot (Group score: 7 pts)
Slightly disturbing nose displaying smoke, rubber and animal scents. Its funky characteristics could be attributed to simple reduction?! Fortunately the mouthfeel is rather charming : soft, supple and easy drinking. Medium weight and length. My rating: 90?/100
Nick Hamilton
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