2016 Beaune Greves
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Tasting notes
(vinified with one-third whole clusters and aged in 20% new oak; from vines averaging 40 years of age, with some as old as 70; 30% of the crop was lost to frost): Medium red. Ripe cherry on the nose. Offers a bit more stuffing and sweetness than the Perrières, along with some floral and herbal notes, but the essentially soft middle palate turns distinctly firmer and more medicinal toward the back. Finishes with dusty tannins and a repeating herbal quality. This wine will need further élevage --and time in bottle--to come into harmony.
Critic scores
Average Score
The Wine Advocate
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
The 2016 Beaune 1er Cru Greves was matured in 20% new oak with one-third whole cluster fruit. It has a perfumed bouquet with blackberry, red cherries and iris aromas, the terroir here more expressive than the Perrieres for the moment. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannin, the oak lending a little more depth than the other Beaune premier crus; there's sinew on the finish. Give this 3 or 4 years in bottle.
More mixed mineral soils with clay and iron on top of limestone and three times as old as Sizies, but still only a third whole bunch, a little more new oak. Barrel sample. Utterly fragrant with fine red fruits and still a delicate stony quality, almost smoky. Dry, vaguely chalky texture with excellent fruit intensity on the mid palate. The grip is so fine and polite but it is definite. A complex mix of fragrant nose and dry, mineral palate. Beautifully balanced. Mouth-watering freshness and a long finish that has that fine-boned character that I associate with limestone. Long and super-fine. (JH)
About the producer
Volnay’s Domaine de Montille is one of the most historic in the Côte d’Or. Founded in 1730, the property remains family-owned and run, with Etienne de Montille – the ninth generation – at the helm today.