2018 Domaine Faiveley, Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru, Lavaut Saint-Jacques

For reports and full tasting notes, go toTim Atkin MW's website.

The 2018 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Lavaux Saint-Jacques is showing very well, displaying notes of cassis, wild plums, smoke and rich sole tones, framed by classy new oak. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, ample and enveloping, with ripe acids, powdery tannins and a long, fleshy finish. Faiveley now owns just under one hectare in this prime premier cru.

The 2018 Gevrey-Chambertin Lavaux Saint-Jacques 1er Cru was quite closed on the nose, opening gradually to reveal blackberry, wild strawberry and light sea spray aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with chewy tannins, quite robust and grainy in texture and showing some hardness on the savory finish. This needs time to mellow and I suspect it will be surpassed by the 2019.

Barrel sample. Light to mid cherry red. Intense and pure red cherries on the nose with an attractive hint of crushed rocks. The oak hiding behind the fruit. On the palate, the oak is more evident, both in tannin and in spice. But there is an apparent restraint that hides the greater power here. Chewy, incredibly fine tannins, compact. All closed up at the moment but all in balance. (JH)