2017 - Chapelle-Chambertin Grand Cru, Cecile Tremblay

Like many wines from this charming, demonstrative vintage, Tremblay's 2017 Chapelle-Chambertin Grand Cru can already be drunk with pleasure. Exhibiting aromas of red berries and plums mingled with notions of orange rind, warm spices and vanilla pod, it's full-bodied, ample and fleshy, with a round, giving core of fruit framed by supple tannins and lively acids. Expect it to put on additional depth with further bottle age, much like its 2007 counterpart.

The 2017 Chapelle-Chambertin Grand Cru has around 80% whole bunches this year. It has a very perfumed bouquet of raspberry, crushed strawberry, vanilla pod and a touch of iodine, all very well defined. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black and red fruit, perhaps not as complex as the Echézeaux, and a touch of brown spice surfaces toward the finish. Very fine.

In barrel, not yet racked. Mid crimson. Beautiful dark cherry fruit. But elegant too, expressive and polite. Sweetness of red cherry but the seriousness of dark fruit and light spice. Succulent, rounded supple tannins. Caressing on the palate. Elegance and beauty with depth and fine length. Perfect harmony. What a way to finish 10 days in Burgundy! Lingering scent to a long finish. (JH)