Mongeard Mugneret Vougeot 1er Cru "Les Cras" 2016

This is pure and linear, delivering a beam of cherry, raspberry, stone and spice flavors. Never wavers, staying consistent from start to the lingering finish. Shows terrific balance and harmony. Drink now through 2032.-WS93

The 2016 Vougeot 1er Cru Les Cras opens in the glass with notes of smoky cassis, raspberries, espresso roast and spices, framed by toasty oak. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, broad and supple, with a vivid core of fruit, racy acids and fine but youthfully chewy tannins, concluding with a penetrating and oak-inflected finish. This is a success in its somewhat old-fashioned style and will reward bottle age. WA91

Grown a stone's throw from Clos de Vougeot, Les Amoureuses and Le Musigny, Vougeot wines are obviously strongly akin to these illustrious growths. The fact that only a small quantity is produced gives it a special cachet.

To the Eye: Its colour is deep and luminous, with a purplish-violet tint which reveals the intensity of this wine.

On the Nose: The aromas evoke violets and red and black fruits (raspberries, Morello cherries, mulberries, blackcurrants) and sometimes cocoa. Like the deep red of its colouring they imbue it with finesse and render it highly seductive. As this wine ages its suggests woodland undergrowth, with scents of dead leaves and truffles mingled with animal notes.

In the Mouth: The mouth is generally pleasing, affording a true guarantee of its origins. It is solidly structured but its tannins have a certain delicacy and its attack is very pure. Its fleshiness and acidity form a simple and very pleasing harmony. From time to time a hint of liquorice is perceptible. Le Vougeot premier cru is a racy wine with points in common with Chambolle Musigny. The well-drained pebbly soil on which it grows makes this a perfumed and elegant wine.- Winemaker's Notes