2022 Beaune Aux Cras

As usual, a highlight of the range, the 2022 Beaune 1er Cru Aux Cras (Domaine Gagey) offers up a deep bouquet of smoky blackberries, licorice and spices, followed by a medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated palate that's underpinned by bright acids, concluding with a mineral finish. From old vines growing in one of Beaune's best terroirs, this is worth seeking out.

The 2022 Chambolle-Musigny Les Baudes 1er Cru has an attractive nose: wild strawberry, raspberry, tomato vine and light sous-bois scents all delivered with admirable delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with very lithe tannins, smooth in texture, with a pinch of white pepper and clove towards the finish. It doesn't achieve the complexity of the very best Premier Crus, though it does feel persistent in the mouth.

The Beaune Cras is one of two vineyards where Jadot have made some trials with a little whole bunch vinification. The wine shows rather more depth to the colour, more in purple, with a ripe morello cherry nose. The fruit is quite ripe, opens out well, then some rather firm tannins behind.