2016 Domaine Jean Grivot, Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru 6x750ml

Vinous 90-93

Bright, dark red-ruby. Pure but muted aromas of medicinal black cherry and licorice. In a distinctly virile style and hard to taste today following the sensational range of Vosne premier crus, as this youthfully imploded wine shows more pronounced herb, menthol and earth elements and little early sweetness. A forceful if less sophisticated wine but its tannins are still rather smooth (Grivot described it as "un grand garçon maladroit"). This will never make a showy tasting wine but it should work well with serious cold-weather fare. Made almost entirely from Grivot’s lowest Clos Vougeot wines near the Route Nationale, as his vines a bit higher up were more affected by the frost. [Stephen Tanzer, 01/01/2018]

Robert Parker 90

The 2016 Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru was reduced by one-third due to the frost, unorthodox in that it affected the higher part of Etienne’s vines. It has a slightly more rustic, almost obdurate nose than the previous two vintages, with touches of dried blood and something almost ferrous sutured into the red berry fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannin and moderate weight, although the finish seems to pull on the brakes a little too early and I found the final third missing substance and depth. Not bad, but there are much better wines than this within Grivot’s portfolio this year. [Neal Martin, 11/21/2017]

Anticipated maturity: 2019-2032

JancisRobinson.com 17.5+

A blend from three different parcels, the lowest of which can be quite interesting in a very dry summer – good climate effect. Rich crimson. Gamey and very different from their Vosnes. Lots of gas and tension. Chewy finish and solid. Good attempt but I miss the energy of the Vosnes! Big and muscly. Very long. Needs food! [11/06/2017]

Anticipated maturity: 2025-2040