2018 Joseph Drouhin, Beaune Premier Cru, Les Greves

The 2018 Beaune Grèves 1er Cru offers dark berry fruit mixed with autumn leaf and cedar aromas on the nose, veering toward an earthier style of aromatics. The medium-bodied palate delivers supple tannins and fine acidity. Very pure and caressing with a silky-smooth finish. A lovely Beaune Grèves.

Aromas of cassis, plums, sweet soil tones and espresso roast, framed by a deft touch of new oak, introduce the 2018 Beaune 1er Cru Les Grèves, a medium to full-bodied wine with a sweet core of fruit that's structured around fine but youthfully chewy tannins. This, too, will reward a bit of bottle age.

Cask sample. Mid purplish cherry red. Lovely floral and open nose. So pure and scented with cherry and violets. On the palate, some oak in evidence in sweet spice. Incredibly smooth and rounded texture. Packed with fruit, generous and remarkably approachable. Just fresh enough. Very persistent with that fruit. (JH)