2015 - Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru Loups, Domaine des Lambrays

(50% vendange entier): Good dark red. Riper and lower-toned on the nose than the village cuvée, dominated today by a chocolatey element. Riper and sweeter in the mouth, but less fruity than the village wine and more soil-driven. A peppery nuance gives lift to the middle palate. There's a slight rusticity here but this is classic Morey-Saint-Denis in a rather smooth style. Brouin referred to it as the definition of Morey, which is a blend of Gevrey and Chambolle. This wine comes mostly from Clos Sorbé but also includes fruit from three other plots.

The 2015 Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru "Les Loups" is a blend of several parcels aged in one-third new oak, and has quite a forward, clove-tinged, detailed bouquet with ample red berry fruit. It is a nose that seems determined to please. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, crisp acidity, a hint of brown spice sprinkled liberally over the fleshy but persistent finish. Probably ready to go after a year in bottle, this is a very satisfying premier cru Morey-Saint-Denis.