Joseph Drouhin Beaune Greves 1er Cru 2016 (750ML)

92 BH / 92 JM / 89-91 WA / 89 VM

Tasting note: Here the nose plays on the edge of reduction and while it doesn't completely mask the floral-scented nose of dark berries and earth, it does render it less expressive. The rich and notably denser medium-bodied flavors also flash a lovely minerality that adds a sense of lift to the much firmer, even robust finish that is presently somewhat youthfully austere. Patience required but this should ultimately be excellent.—Outstanding. Allen Meadows, Burghound

Plump purple colour, fresh but ungiving fruit, tight concentrated backward, high acidity, firm tannins, plus the mineral notes associated with Grèves. There is enough fruit to cover the structure though. We will need to wait for this. Tasted: October 2017—Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy

The 2016 Beaune 1er Cru Les Grèves comes from vines located just 50 meters from Les Cras and includes around 25% whole bunch fruit. The nose was showing just a touch of reduction, but underneath lies attractive, quite punchy cranberry and cassis fruit. The palate is well balanced with earthy, red berry fruit and is lent a little rusticity by the whole bunch addition but still balanced with a pleasant bitter cherry finish. This is a fine Beaune Grèves that should end up at the top end of my banded score. - Neal Martin

(vinified with 25% whole clusters; production here was just over half of a normal crop, which winemaker Jérôme Faure-Brac said gave the wine a natural concentration): More complex and less blocked on the nose and palate than the Cras, offering subtle elements of raspberry, black cherry, spices and smoky minerality. A step up in mineral spine and inner-mouth energy as well. Finishes classically dry and persistent, with good backbone and broad, palate-dusting tannins. - Stephen Tanzer, Vinous Media