2019 Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Beaune Rouge, Domaine Françoise et Denis Clair

35% of the Pinot Noir from above St-Aubin, 65% from near Les Maranges to the south of Santenay. Small berries with thick skins are the norm, with half the plantings being old vines.

Transparent crimson. Some zesty acidity is hinted at on the nose, suggesting this is not the ripest nor sweetest cuvee but on the palate it’s delightfully ripe and charming with crunchy fruit and great immediate appeal. Quite a charmer with only the lightest of sandy tannins on the finish. If you bought this, you’d be impatient for delivery. (GV)
Drink 2021 – 2023