The 2016 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru is matured in 50% new oak with 25% whole bunch. It did not quite convey the fruit intensity of the Clos Saint-Denis on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannin, quite bold in style but the oak feels a little dominant on the finish. Let’s see how this matures in bottle. At the moment, I much prefer its "brother Denis."

A pungent nose consists of wood and reduction today. Otherwise there is excellent volume and an overt muscularity to the powerful, rich and imposing flavors that brim with minerality and dry extract, all wrapped in a textured and velvety finish that is notably firm but not hard and I very much like the overall depth on the balanced and beautifully persistent finish. This will require at least some patience yet should drink well after only 6 to 8 years.

The 2013 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru has a well-defined and perfumed bouquet with macerated small red cherries and wild strawberry scents. The palate is medium-bodied with fleshy ripe red fruit, quite confit in style with fine salinity on the finish. I was expecting a little more from this.