92-94 Point Wines

wines

This ‘classique’ cuvée of Gravières is what is left after the old vines for the ‘Numerus Clausus’ bottling are removed (approximately 3.8 hectares). The remaining fruit still makes a compelling wine, with ripe red and black berry fruit aromas and hints of violets, earth, and leather. The texture is tannic but not astringent, and the tannins and fresh acidity carry this to a lovely lingering finish with great elegance and finesse. The destemmed fruit is given a cold soak and gently fermented before ageing in cask (25% new).Decanter | 92 DECThe 2021 Santenay Les Gravières 1er Cru is the main cuvée and comes from a considerable 3.8-hectare parcel. Slightly darker in colour, this has a clean and pure bouquet with dark cherries, citrus fruit - Mirabelle and Clementine, lightly spiced with just a hint of soy. The palate is medium-bodied with very pliant tannins, harmonious and focused, easygoing in the positive sense of the word. The wood tannins will require a little time to be fully assimilated.Vinous Media | 88-90 VM

The 2022 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Lavaux Saint-Jacques is deep and concentrated, mingling aromas of cassis and plums with notes of vine smoke and licorice in an inviting mélange. Medium to full-bodied, rich and layered, with a lively core of fruit framed by sweet, powdery tannins, it concludes with a saline finish.Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 93-95 RPThe 2022 Gevrey-Chambertin Lavaux Saint-Jacques 1er Cru has a refined bouquet and wonderful transparency in a very Rousseau style. The palate is a little austere on the entry, but it’s toying with you because all the concentration is on the back end with commendable weight, cohesion, and gentle grip. Very long aftertaste. This will be fascinating to watch evolve in bottle.Vinous Media | 93-95 VMSlightly riper aromas include those of poached plum, forest floor and a whiff of violet. There is acceptable density though very fine power suffusing the medium weight flavors that culminate in a dusty and firmly austere finish that isn’t quite as vibrant yet it’s even more structured. This impressively persistent effort is an exceptionally serious wine in 2022 that should age for decades and one that I would advise not opening for at least 10 years.Burghound | 91-94 BH