2014 Monthelie Les Duresses
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Tasting notes
(this was Lafon's only Pinot Noir site spared by hail in 2014): Good medium red. Sexy scents of raspberry, rose petal and earth. Juicy, savory wine with real gulpability; red fruit flavors are nicely framed by harmonious acidity. This lively Monthélie wine finishes with firm but fine tannins and a lingering cherry note. It was the first 2014 to be bottled--in March of 2016.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
(tasted from tank): Bright, dark red. Currant, menthol and a whiff of leather on the lively nose. At once pliant and vinous in the mouth, with soil-driven flavors of dark cherry and raspberry complicated by pepper and herbs. Harmonious, lowish acidity and rather soft tannins will give this attractive wine early appeal. These vines were picked at the end and were Lafon's only parcel of Pinot Noir that was not affected by hail.
The 2014 Monthélie les Duresses was the only red not touched by hail and my sample was taken directly from vat, though it will not be bottled until the spring. It has plenty of fresh redcurrant and cassis scents on the nose. It is simple on the palate with fine tannins, plenty of fruit and a juicy blackberry finish that will give lots of pleasure over the next 4-6 years.
No hail. Already in tank. Bottled spring 2016. Lovely round fruit even if a little taut and skinny on the end. Needs to flesh out a bit. (JR)