2016 Domaine Henri Gouges Nuits-Saint-Georges Clos des Porrets-Saint-Georges 1er Cru

A bit more intense than the village wine on the nose. Polished and racy. Real lift and length to this. Really quite exciting. (JR)

(aging in 20% new oak): Bright, dark red. A touch of reduction to the aromas of dark berries, subtle spices and black pepper. Fine-grained, juicy and discreet, with blueberry and blackberry flavors complemented by a note of dark chocolate and nicely framed by harmonious acidity and firm tannins. Slightly rustic but nicely round and sweet for its modest 12.5% alcohol. The tannins are fine-grained and ripe, and the finish displays sneaky length and lift. I like this! These wines were racked after the spring malos but not since then.

The 2016 Nuits Saint Georges 1er Cru Clos des Porrets Saint Georges, matured in 20% new oak, offers attractive dusky black berries on the nose mixed with cold black tea and bay leaf. Give it a couple of swirls and a lovely crushed rose petal note leaps from the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, finely judged acidity, a little grainy in texture toward the finish. There are wonderful pure black and red fruits with a vein of blood orange on the finish. Though not as good as the 2015 maybe, this remains a fine contribution to the vintage.