2016 Domaine de l'Arlot, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru, Clos des Forets Saint-Georges

Soft, fleshy and complete on the palate with a combination of dark berry and blackcurrant leaf notes. Impressive concentration and fine purity here. A really classy Premier Cru Nuits-St-Georges which has a winning combination of ripeness, purity and balance. Harvested between 27 September and 2 October. Only 40% of normal volume, with yields down to just 9hl/ha.

The 2016 Nuits St Georges 1er Cru Clos des Forêts St-Georges includes 50% whole cluster with 50% new oak. This has the most precise bouquet from Domaine de l’Arlot this year: exquisite scents of wild strawberry, cranberry, wild hedgerow and just a hint of graphite. It feels tightly wound at first but gathers pace with aeration in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin. This feels crisp and linear, and there's good depth of flavor as this gently grips the mouth. Red fruit dovetail into black toward the graphite-tinged finish, the persistence very long. There is palpable energy in situ that should see it age for two decades.

Dense garnet. Glorious array of aromas, well knit. Soft and evolved. Lots of charm and richness with structure but no excess of tannins at this stage. Clean, energetic finish. This could only be a fine burgundy! (JR)