2022 Domaine Dujac Clos de la Roche Grand Cru

The 2022 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru on this encounter was so pure and suave that one might have mistaken it for the Clos Saint-Denis. Offering up aromas of raspberries, cherries, sweet spices, orange zest and peony, it's full-bodied, supple and seamless, with a deep core of fruit, sweet, powdery tannins and a long, sapid finish. There is more underlying muscle and tannin here, however, and I would be surprised to see that assert itself a little more obviously in bottle.

Rich dense purple. Gorgeously attractive if a little more restrained than the Clos St-Denis. Some of the traditional blueberry. So much in reserve. I prefer the weave of the texture here especially if keeping for the longer term. On the cusp of red and black fruit at the finish, and with excellent persistence. Drink from 2032-2040+. Tasted: November 2023.

Cask sample. Mid ruby. Lovely nose – flowers, ripe red and black berries (cherries, cassis) with some earth and undergrowth for depth. Bright red and black cherries on the palate, showing remarkable balance in the almost invisible acidity and tannins – they are both there but so discreet. Restrained and noble, with an unctuous depth and texture. Top class. (MH)