2015 Marsannay Les Longeroies

(from three parcels of vines, some as old as 90 years of age): Medium red. Ripe, subtly complex aromas of raspberry, strawberry and chocolate, plus a note of red licorice. Suave, fresh and minerally, conveying an impression of thickness leavened by lively acidity. Very good calcaire energy and inner-mouth tension here. FInishes with rather suave tannins, an earthy touch and very good length.

The 2015 Marsannay Les Longeroies offers enticing aromas of redcurrant juice, cranberry and cold stone on the nose that is well defined and complex. The palate is very well balanced with crisp acidity, well-integrated oak, fine depth towards the sorbet-fresh finish. Hints of orange sorbet linger on the aftertaste, completing a quite delicious Marsannay, the best produced by Bruno this year.

(from a mix of 55+ and 70+ year old vines situated in both climats that comprise 1.6 ha). As is usually the case chez Clair, this is the most interesting and complete of his Marsannay cuvées with its well-layered nose of red cherry, violet, spice and subtle wood nuances. There is both good minerality and detail to the energetic medium-bodied flavors that are shaped by moderately firm tannins on the balanced and dusty finale. This too will require at least a few years of bottle age first as the tannins are prominent. Dec 2016, www.burghound.com