This end-result is attributed to a problem-free season, which, after the heat-waves of June and July, gave us plenty of rain in August: it was logical to be concerned that the ripeness might be blocked, but the vines were able to take advantage of the humidity, the grapes grew bigger and the ripening process accelerated in the last days of August, following the return of warmer weather. So this already early vintage ripened even more quickly and we decided to begin harvesting on September 3rd.

To our surprise, comments for the vintage in general have been less enthusiastic than we hoped for. A certain over-ripeness was criticized, in a sequence of warm vintages that now is becoming the norm. Choices in harvest dates have been very different and have probably influenced the style of the wines.
We chose to harvest early, in two stages: the earliest-ripening vineyards between September 3rd and 5th and the rest between the 8th and the 11th. It should be noted that the Chardonnays, which were ahead of the Pinots, were all harvested early, by the 8th at the latest, with some even as early as August 31st and others during the pause of the 6th-7th. The Clos St Philibert was therefore harvested, for the first time ever, before most of the reds.

In a few rare cases, vineyards showed signs of concentration beginning during the second week, which showed that for our vines, it was time to terminate.

We thus obtained excellent balance at harvest-time: high natural degrees (without chaptalisation, of course), in the region of 13.5; high levels of total acidity, too, and low pH levels (a sign of the predominant presence of tartaric acid, the one that remains in the wines).

This situation was confirmed during the maturing period, with gradual malolactic fermentations and very linear evolution of the wines. The excellent pH levels observed at harvest-time were confirmed, particularly as the juices contained very little potassium (which precipitates tartaric acid), to such an extent that today we have pH levels typical of a cold year!

We loved this vintage from the start, and we never had a doubt about it during the élevage. To give you an idea, this vintage is a mix of the 2005 and 2009 vintages: similar in its concentration, perhaps even a little more concentrated, it has the fruity freshness and the velvety texture of the first, and the sweeter aromatic notes (vanilla, chocolate, liquorice, etc.) and the somewhat voluptuous character of the second. A mix of varying proportions according to the wines, but in which there seems to be more 2005. At the end of the maturing period, certain wines seem firm and quite upright. That was a sign that  these 2015's have the necessary structure and freshness to evolve well and over a long period of time.

This bodes well, therefore, as the 2015's should combine the great ageing capacity of the 2005's (without their rather severe character which is beginning to frustrate some wine-lovers) and the charm of the 2009's (which are confounding the sombre forecasts made about them and are still a long way from their peak).

We might as well say it right away, at the risk of spoiling the suspense of the tasting notes below, this 2015 vintage is pleasant and keeps all its promises! Of course, the wines are still too young. But the pleasure is there!
The aromas are still very primary, the noses are open and very pleasant. On the palate, a little tension on the finish and a general structure that reminds us of our 2020s, which we recently brought to fruition; also a lot of sweetness and even a certain finesse, which allows you to appreciate them now.

At the time of bottling, we spoke of "pure tasting pleasure", of "voluptuousness", of an "exciting vintage"... This is confirmed by today's tasting. We also noted that this vintage borrowed from the 2005 and 2009 vintages, with a dominant 2005. This is also confirmed, the freshness of these wines is notable. But we added that this vintage did not have the harsh side of 2005... It's still true!
It would therefore appear that we have a vintage with a very good aging capacity but which would achieve the astonishing performance of being "always good". Only downside, the villages are relatively less easy than the Premiers and Grands Crus which reserve a few moments of pure happiness...

Only a selection of our range has been re-tasted and reviewed for this "5-year after bottling" tasting

Clos Saint-Philibert
Pretty ripe nose, where we find peach, apricot and notes of white flowers.
On the palate, the wine is rich, almost sweet at the start but the finish is acidic and saline.
An integrated and seductive body, certainly very mature but absolutely not heavy.
Pleasant now but it can still gain with age.

Meursault
A very ripe nose, typical of the vintage, with its aromas of stone fruits, in particular apricot. A little white fig, nougat, a few mineral notes and a hint of acidity that straightens everything.
The palate is restrained: the generosity and warmth of the vintage are found, even tending to unfold at the end of the tasting but the whole is quite straight and does not pour out.
The marriage between acidity and maturity is still to be perfected: the nose is complex and quite open but the mouth is not yet fully in tune. An effect of youth no doubt and this wine will greatly benefit from a few years of ageing.

Fixin
A slightly timid nose at first, which gradually opens up and reveals very ripe red fruits (strawberry, raspberry, cherry) and spices.
The palate is shimmering, beautifully caressing, before a tighter finish.
Our Fixin, generally fine and very seductive, shows this year a nice freshness and a slight tendency to severity. We have the impression that he does not fully deliver and deserves to wait a few more years.

Nuits St Georges
Without being closed, the nose is a bit shy. However, we can distinguish black cherry, sweet notes and slight traces of evolution which add to the complexity.
The mouth is round, spherical in attack but very quickly straighter, with a tense and slightly tannic finish.
Promising wine, which still lacks integration and must age a few years or else be opened well in advance.

Vosne Romanée
A very nice nose, intense, with a dominance of red fruits and some notes of black fruits and cherry in brandy.
The mouth is generous but very quickly upright, with a finish that is also tense but less tannic than the Nuits. It is rather the freshness that dominates.
A beautiful finesse and consistency overall, some stuff but the wine is still quite fierce and needs time. Between 2 and 4 years of aging would do it good.

Only a selection of our range has been re-tasted and reviewed for this "5-year after bottling" tasting

Chambolle Cras
A sweet and charming nose, quite open, where red fruits dominate; also with sweet notes conferred by the wood. The wine appears pleasant from the outset.
On the palate, a very nice attack, with caressing tannins. An obvious desire for seduction! The finish is mineral, spicy, with just the right amount of tension.
A fairly complete wine right now but which could still blossom. It has many good years of quiet development ahead of him.

Vosne Chaumes
A very beautiful nose, intense, providing a lot of pleasure: we have fun looking for red and black fruits, sweet aromas, such as caramel and liquorice, touches of leather...
The mouth is in unison, very round and spherical, unfolding a great power throughout the tasting. The finish is beautiful, tense as it should be and very long.
The wine is still a little tight but with a very nice body that balances a certain natural severity. By far the most open and generous of the wines tasted so far.

Nuits Boudots
A really very open and engaging nose, generous with a nice palette of red fruits and woody notes. Very promising already by its gourmandise and its integration.
On the palate, the first impression given by the bouquet is confirmed: very round and caressing, the wine displays a silky texture before a small tense return on the finish, which promotes persistence.
A lot of harmony and class for this wine, which is surprisingly seductive for only 5 years in the bottle. We imagine that it can still gain in subtlety in the next 5 years.

Clos Vougeot
Very slightly restrained on the nose, which is also classic and distinguished: red fruits, traces of plants and flowers (rose, peony).
On the palate, quite compact, dense even in the middle of the tasting; the finish is long and fine. It's crisp, intense and precise from start to finish.
A general harmony makes this wine very pleasant. Approachable, youth is however evident and it is far from its peak. It is advisable to wait another 7 years before consuming all of its stock. Until then, we can pick up a bottle or two...

Corton Perrieres
Nose of red fruits but also spicy, woody and smoky notes. Not expansive at first but gradually opens up in the glass.
In the mouth, nice roundness and amplitude, a nice texture like the other wines but also a lot of tension with a slightly tannic finish.
As often, this Corton Perrières leaves a mineral impression, fresh but also tight. He needs time to fully reveal himself and relax. We can say that he is on the right track!

Corton Clos Rognet
A very open nose offering crunchy black and red fruits, sweet notes... It's devilishly delicious!
The palate is ample, very soft, with caressing tannins. He succeeded in the feat of bringing together generosity and righteousness.
A great success for this balanced, complex and already charming wine. We have a lot of pleasure despite the youth. We imagine that aging will bring other sensations but he is already very accomplished and it is difficult to resist him!

Vosne Brulées
On the nose, a wine more focused on black fruits, dark chocolate, woody notes. It leaves an impression of density and concentration.
On the palate, round but quite dense and direct. However, it does not forget to be charming with a beautiful subtlety and freshness at the end of the tasting.
A lot of class for this very harmonious and seductive wine. It shows many facets and it is unclear which element takes precedence over the others and attracts us the most.
We appreciate it for its aristocratic and complete side, however, it is still a very young wine, it must still relax and gain in complexity over time.