2011 Bernard Dugat-Py Charmes Chambertin Grand Cru, Burgundy

Average age of vines in the plot - 35 years Annual production - 1800 to 2400 bottles The vines have only been treated with organic preparations since 2004 16 to 18 months ageing in 100% new oak casks

A blend of one-third Mazoyères and two-thirds Charmes proper - the fruit comes from a mix of mostly 20+ year-old vines, and a small percentage of extremely old vines; <40% stems.

This more elegant than the Lavaut with its ripe and attractively layered nose of markedly ripe black cherry, floral, warm earth and a panoply of spice elements. There is superb richness, size and weight to the concentrated, velvety and seductively textured broad-shouldered flavors that conclude in a phenomenally persistent finish that is supported by very firm tannins. This is a powerful and robust Charmes that is certainly bigger and richer than the Lavaut but it doesn't have quite the same underlying tension. Drink 2027+