2022, Domaine Henri Gouges, NUITS-SAINT-GEORGES, 1er Cru, 'Les Chaignots'

The 2022 Nuits Saint-Georges Les Chaignots 1er Cru, matured in 15% new oak, was not touched by the hail in June. This has ebullient redcurrant and wild strawberry scents with a spring in their step. The palate is medium-bodied with a slightly savoury entry, brown spices infusing the red berry fruit. It perhaps misses the tension and precision on the finish elicited by the Gouges's other cuvées this vintage. Fine, but probably early drinking. 89 Neal Martin, Vinous (2023).

In bottle. 35 hl/ha. Mid purple. The nose shows a certain amount of dark red fruit but is quite restrained. This is rather more robust in structure yet with a generous juicy fruit as well. Quite silky tannins behind. Fresh, almost mineral at the finish. **** 93 Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy (2023).

This is also sufficiently reduced as to push the underlying fruit to the background at present. Otherwise, there is again good richness and vibrancy to the notably finer medium weight flavours that exude evident minerality on the lingering finale where the only nit is a touch of warmth. This is also really quite pretty as it has that wonderful quality of inner mouth perfume. 89-91 Allen Meadows, Burghound (2024).

Drinking Window: 2024 - 2034