2019 Domaine Faiveley, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru, Les Damodes

Aromas of cassis, plums, orange rind and spicy new oak preface Faiveley's 2019 Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Les Damodes, a medium to full-bodied, deep and lively wine with a concentrated core of fruit, framed by powdery tannins. Concluding with a long, mineral finish, it's another fine bottling from this cool, high-altitude and northeast-exposed site.

The 2019 Nuits Saints-Georges Les Damodes 1er Cru has a soft, supple bouquet, the 100% destemming lending freshness and sensuality, and a little brine emerging with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with lithe tannins, touches of blood orange and orange peel lacing the dark berry and spicy notes toward the finish. Give this 3–5 years in bottle.

Barrel sample. Fresh and intriguing on the nose. Lots of energy here and something pretty solid even if not ethereal. With the fine tannins well tucked in behind the stolid blackberry fruit. The sort of wine you could order confidently from a wine list anywhere in the world. (Do I hear the whisper of faint praise …?) (JR)