Nuits Murgers, Domaine Hudelot-Noellat 2012

Habitually the first parcel to be picked by the domaine, the 2012 Nuits Saint Georges 1er Cru Murgers comes from a 0.68-hectare parcel of vines planted in 1985. It is open, generous and mineral-driven on the nose that already displays vigor and class. The palate is medium-bodied with a spicy, ebullient opening. The fruit profile is a little darker than the Vosne-Romanee, showing firm, grippy tannins towards the slightly austere finish. This is mysteriously compelling, much more so than I anticipated and it deserves several years in bottle after release.