2022 Vougeot, Les Cras, 1er Cru, Domaine de la Vougeraie, Burgundy

Firm reduction and oak toast are all that can be discerned at present. More interesting are the sleek, vibrant and moderately refined middleweight flavors that also flash plenty of minerality on the tautly muscular, linear and firmly austere finale. This is very good but the word Cistercian comes to mind so patience advised.

Drink from 2034 onward.

The 2022 Vougeot Les Cras 1er Cru has an uncomplicated nose: black plum and briar, missing a bit of presence compared to some of the other cuvées. The palate is more promising, with a corpulent entry counterbalanced by a silver bead of acidity, quite strict, finishing with a touch of sour cherry. Quite peppery on the aftertaste. Worth seeking out. 

Drink 2026 - 2038

A racily fresh purple, with a bouquet full of floral energy, as was the village Vougeot. Again, I could imagine whole bunches but there are none. Perhaps what I am tasting is the effect of retaining whole berries from the top-end destemmer which they now use, suggests Sylvie. A saline finish alongside abundant red fruit.

Drink 2030 - 2037