Mazis-Chambertin Grand Cru 2016, Domaine Faiveley

Tasted at the Justerini & Brooks annual en primeur Burgundy tasting, this Mazis-Chambertin from the large Domaine Faiveley is initially closed on the nose but offers a whiff of strawberry and a hint of orchard blossom. As with the very successful Nuits Saint Georges 1er Cru "Les St Georges" 2016 this Mazis-Chambertin 2016 really promises a great future on the palate. There is poise, purity, balance and lovely berry fruit. This suggests timely harvesting and extreme quality control on the table de tri. Finesse and length combines with tannin on the finish but nothing to suggest the need to keep beyond eight years. Scores 82-86/100 and will set you back a knuckle-biting £1,430 for 12 bottles in bond which is £145.60 retail. Yes, this is definitely one of the finer wines of the frost-ravaged 2016 vintage hence the price. But, and it is a very big but, there are umpteen better value purchases you can make of wines from 2009, 2010, 2015 even 2002 and 2005! Just too expensive.