Chassagne Montrachet 2016

A strong case could be made that this emblematic premier cru from Moreau is the finest red wine produced in the commune, and the 2016 Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru La Cardeuse could certainly be called as a supporting witness. Wafting from the glass with a deep and complex bouquet of dark wild berries, woodsmoke, rich soil tones, warm spices and subtle hints of blood orange, it's medium to full-bodied, supple and velvety, with powdery structuring tannins cloaked in a fine core of crunchy, concentrated fruit, buttressed by lively acids. The finish is long and beautifully defined. This young Cardeuse is sufficiently elegant to be approachable now, but the real interest will come with five or six more years of bottle age. (WK, 1/2020)