May 24, 2023 - Probably one of the unofficial 1er Cru vineyards in Marsannay, and a Vieilles Vignes to boot. Drinkable from the PnP, but it really smooths out with some decanter time. Beautiful burgundy color. Lots of crisp red fruits, vanilla, brambles, medium+ acidity, and medium+ tannins, giving this a velvety mouthfeel. No hurry to drink these, as they should hold together for another decade or more. Honestly, probably 90 right now, but a pleasure score of 92.
April 5, 2022 - Consistent with notes from Oct'20, only more accessible and enjoyable. More fruit delineation on the palate and a more refined, smooth finish. Medium complexity but very well executed with good balance, depth, and feel. Outstanding QPR. Drink 2022-2026. Technical score: 92.Enjoyment score: 94.
September 3, 2021 - Slox-oxed for 2hrs prior to dinner in Riedel Vinum Burgs & btl. Almost 3yrs since my first btl. Semi translucent ruby red. Spicy, wild berry & underbrush aromas. Red fruit w/ mineral, spice, hint of iron & emerging forest floor notes. Tannins largely resolved thanks to the '15 vintage. Especially placid 3-1/2hrs after opening near the end of dinner. Not as ripe as some '15s but honest, terroir driven red Burgundy punching above its humble appellation in '15. From 50yr old vines. 13% Alc Bravo Kermit Lynch! Some room for further improvement w/ 3-5 more yrs assuming, the fruit hangs in there. 91+ Paid $30 on release.
October 26, 2020 - Decanted with mixed pork leftovers. Took about 30-min to open up. Dark crimson color with a purple hue. Nose brings wildflowers, potpourri, lavender, cherry blossoms, blackberries, and whiffs of cloves and bitters. The palate is medium, round, tangy, and textured, bringing bright red cherries and pomegranate mixed with blueberries, plums, rhubarb, black tea, and orange peel. The finish is supple and smooth, with noticeable but refined tannins. Was a pleasure. Drink 2020-2026. Technical score: 92. Enjoyment score: 94.
December 18, 2019 - A point more! I expected this wine would shut down. Praise Kermit Lynch. Never a losing wine. Marsannay makes good red only in great vintages. 2015 is such a vintage. Beautiful Pinot nose. Impeccably well balanced palate. Long finish. Wish I had more. Will check wine-searcher.
November 13, 2019 - Would rate 90 giving 91 as benefit of the doubt. Bright cherry, plucot, plum and other sangria like fruits. Positive fruit forward wine. Lovely and QPR is there. Its going strong and is very acidic with a strong tannic finish. Considering its pinot noir roots. It is dry and seems more like a 13.7 on the alcohol scale. Dark and weighty Marsannay. Like this bottle no issues with cork.
Ends with a mouth feel of grapes juice... so its tannic and pucker acidic. Doesnt this prove that ca pinots are similar in ripe vintages. May develop for another 3 to 5 years.
October 8, 2019 - Cork was a bit soft and stained halfway up, but wine was fine. A nice enough wine, and might be better in a year or two, but not motivated to buy more of this. Have another bottle, so it that makes a better impression will report back.
March 27, 2019 - Cork was stained about halfway up, so I was slightly concerned when I opened the bottle. After tasting it though, those concerns were put to rest. Dark fruits and earth on the nose. Palate showed lots of dark sweet fruit, some spice, and earthiness. Finished with some chewy tannins. Very enjoyable (drank on its own).
October 29, 2018 - Ruby red color. Spicy and wild berry aromas. Dark fruited with mineral, spice and yet to completely resolve semi chewy tannins. This didn't soften up with food much either. Not as ripe, fruit driven or refined as 2015 Burgs from the best CdN sites further south but honest, characterful and tasty none the less. I have one more of these and will give it a minimum of 3 more years as I believe this needs time and has the structure to age. Not, in its prime drinking window yet. From 50 year old vines. 13% Alc. 88-89pts, right now.
September 22, 2018 - My fourth favorite of eight bottles tasted on Sep 17 at my club's blind tasting of 2015 Red Burgundy. Outstanding value. Drinking at peak now. a little chunky, but unmistakably Burgundian. Good balance. Tannins are there, but balanced with copious fruit. Should hold a while but not likely improve.