2021, Domaine Henri Gouges, NUITS-SAINT-GEORGES, 1er Cru, 'Les Chaignots'

From their only vineyard on the Vosne-Romanée side of Nuits - which sits above Aux Murgers.

Medium deep crimson colour. The nose shows an assured ripeness of red berry fruit, supported by a little new oak (20%). Very pretty and quite floral on the nose, yet much more solid red fruit weight on the palate, with a little vanilla from the oak playing at the edges. Good length. *** 92 Jasper Morris MW.

The 2021 Nuits Saint-Georges Les Chaignots 1er Cru, 100% de-stemmed, has a pure and lifted bouquet with raspberry coulis and wild strawberry, just a hint of Earl Grey. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly chalky tannins, quite sapid, fine energy and whilst it lacks a bit of body on the finish, it has a pleasant verticality. 90 Neal Martin.

Markedly spicier aromas include those of red pinot fruit, blueberry and a hint of exotic tea. The rich, velvety and vibrant medium weight flavours also flash evident minerality on the balanced, lingering and solidly complex finale. As is sometimes the case, in 2021 this is more Vosne in style than Nuits. Outstanding. 91 Burghound.

This striking wine is immediately recognisable by its ripe plummy fruit with floral and spice notes. The fruit aromas are pure and elegant and lead seamlessly to the texture on the palate that has good density and depth and firm tannic grip but nothing astringent or rustic. The grapes come from the only parcel the domaine farms on the northern (Vosne) side of the village, where they have 0.46 hectares in the steep southeast-facing slopes covered with limestone scree from the Combe de la Serrée. 92 Clive Curtis MW, Decanter Magazine.