Beaune 1er Cru Celebration, Louis Jadot 2020

There are some 3,500 cases of the 2020 Beaune 1er Cru Célébration (Maison Louis Jadot), a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and seamless wine evocative of smoky berries, spices and licorice, framed by creamy new oak. More polished and elegant than the muscular 2018, the last rendition of this bottling (which blends more than a dozen of Beaune's premiers crus), it will offer a broad drinking window.

A very ripe nose yet still reasonably fresh nose combines notes of spice, plum, earth and a floral top note. The supple, round and seductively textured medium weight flavors possess a caressing mouthfeel that contrasts somewhat with the firm and relatively powerful finish. This could use more depth though it seems reasonably clear that the underlying material is present such that more will almost certainly develop if given a chance. Note: 16 different Beaune 1ers are combined to create a blend; it is only produced in top vintages Drink: 2030+

Tasted at the domaine. Bright ruby colour with an intense and very enticing nose of ripe hedegrow fruit - strawberries, raspberries and a little sweet herbs and vanilla. This is boisterous and sumptuous on the palate, full of silky red fruit and woody herbs. Polished and succulent with no hard edges, the seamless structure makes this a joy to drink already. Balanced by juicy acids, this is a moreish, pure Pinot Noir that offers great value for money. Long and fleshy to the finish, it will drink well for over a decade, if you can resist that long!