Beaune Clos des Mouches Rouge, Joseph Drouhin 2018

This too is quite deeply pitched with its ripe aromas of cassis, plum liqueur, spice, floral and soft oak scents. There is very good verve to the utterly delicious and slightly finer medium weight flavors that coat the palate with dry extract on the balanced and harmonious finish. This isn't quite as complex as the Grèves though that may well change with time as the track record of this wine developing well is firmly established.

One of the portfolio's real successes, as is so often the case, is the 2018 Beaune 1er Cru Clos des Mouches (Domaine). Wafting from the glass with inviting aromas of ripe cherries, raspberries and violets mingled with subtle hints of espresso roast and chocolate, it's medium to full-bodied, lavish and fleshy, with a voluptuous core of fruit that's framed by velvety tannins and succulent acids. An undeniably rich, ripe rendition of this emblematic cuvée, it will be best served a touch closer to cellar temperature than usual; if there's a criticism, it's that it's a little heady.