2022 Morey-St-Denis Les Herbuottes , Domaine des Loups

These vines lie adjoining and downhill from the 1st Growths. They are around 60 years old, planted by Guillaume’s grandfather. Top soils are approximately 40cm deep, lying above limestone, with mingled pebbles, marl and clay. 20% whole clusters were retained for fermentation, with the wine then ageing for 16 months in small oak barrels, of which 30% were new. This has bright, purple-ruby colour of good depth, with rich, ripe fruitiness on the nose. Palate shows excellent balance between structure and fruit density, with promisingly creamy texture and impressive, well-rounded length (for drinking 2026-2034+).