2014 Bichot - Echezeaux

(from vines averaging 35 years of age in Les Champs Traversins, but some were planted in 2003; more light sandy soil than clay here): Bright medium red. Discreet aromas of raspberry, rose petal, spices and earth. Plump and sweet in the mouth, showing lovely lift and concentration to its red fruit and spice flavors along with a complicating saline nuance. Finishes penetrating and firmly tannic, even a touch dry, with brisk acidity from the cool combe influence. Will these tannins be absorbed with bottle aging?

Subtle nose, very tannic palate – fine but astringent. Very compressed, but without the reach and scope of many. (RH)

The 2014 Echézeaux Grand Cru has a perfumed, floral bouquet with rose petals infusing the red cherry and wild strawberry fruit - fine mineralité here and focus. The palate is fresh and vibrant on the entry with crisp acidity, a little chewiness on the mid-palate but good density -- a swarthy Echézeaux that is determined to make an impression. However, to do that it needs a little more delineation and precision.