2017 Henri Gouges Nuits st Georges 1er Cru Clos des Porrets St Georges "Hors d'Age"

The 2017 Nuits-Saint-Georges Clos Des Porrets ratchets up the intensity noticeably yet shares a similar sunny, rounded, almost sexy style. Wonderful ripe strawberries and blueberry fruit as well as ample notes of violets, flowers, lavender, and spicy wood all emerge on the nose, and it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, an expansive, layered mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and bright yet integrated acidity. This is a beautifully complex, balanced Clos Des Porrets that has plenty of upfront charm and appeal, yet the balance and class to evolve for 15-20 years or more. As I wrote last year, the style at this estate has change dramatically over the past handful of years and the wines today are more balanced, charming, and approachable, and I suspect will age even better than wines of the past.

Early malo and so bottled early too. Mid crimson. Lightly peppery dark fruit on the nose. Seductively rich and gently chewy on the palate. Tannins so polished but sufficient to frame the fruit. Long chewy finish. (JH)

The 2017 Nuits Saint-Georges Clos des Porrets-Saint Georges 1er Cru has an attractive bouquet of black cherries, bilberry jam, a touch of blue fruit and just a hint of licorice. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit. There is an initial burst and then everything clamps back down so that the second half is structured and grippy. Lacks a little charm at the moment, but give this time in bottle.