2018 Bourgogne Rouge Aux Argillieres

Planted 1985, at the bottom of the slope of Primeaux-Prissey (in the village), clay with alluvial stones. Only 20 hl/ha in 2018 because of hail but he thinks you can make an excellent Bourgogne with 40 hl/ha. The berries are all millerandé , Faure explains, so very small. ‘When I took over the vineyard it was hungry but it is slowly recovering’, he says. 100% whole bunch. Bottled. Fragrant, slightly smoky, floral, even a touch of lavender. Smoky/dusty herbs and the scent of red fruit. Juicy, delicate and scented by the stems but not stemmy at all. Lovely length and fragrance right to the long finish. Much more than a vin de soif , though it is mouth-wateringly refreshing. (JH)