I tasted one of several lots that will compose Latour's 2017 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru, an ample, expressive wine that's generously endowed with spicy cherry fruit and structured around supple but youthfully chewy tannins. Based on this component, the finished wine should be a success and will drink well young. (cask sample)

Rich dense dark purple with vibrant rim. Bright vibrant dynamic nose, with quite an explosion of fruit, very much in the style of the vineyard, lots of energy some tension to the dark raspberry fruit, just a note of wood which intrudes at the back. Otherwise very good. (Tasted prior to bottling)

Floral, macerated cherry and graphite aromas give way to raspberry, spice and violet notes in this concentrated, muscular red. Fleshy and chewy in texture, with ample tannins in reserve. The graphite elemant pervades from start to finish.

The moderately high-toned nose reflects notes of red currant, raspberry, the sauvage and a note of forest floor. The textured, seductive and utterly delicious middle weight flavors possess solid if not exceptional concentration though what is impressive is the focused power on the gorgeously long, balanced and built-to-age finale. Once again, at least some patience is strongly advised. 2030+. Allen Meadows (USA)

This is a phenomenal wine with such depth and intensity in terms of aromas of black cherries, wet earth and orange peel. It's like looking over the edge of a cliff it's so deep. Full body, perfect tannin tension and resounding purity. It goes on for minutes on the palate with the dark fruit and creamy mineral character. Only shame is that only 100 cases were made! Drink in 2022.