2018 Domaine de Montille, Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru

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

Muscular and introverted, de Montille's 2018 Clos Vougeot Grand Cru offers up aromas of plums, dark chocolate and rich soil tones that were partially masked by a touch of reduction when I tasted it. Medium to full-bodied, richly tannic and broad-shouldered, this is a classic Clos Vougeot in the making, and it will require some patience.

Containing 50% whole cluster, the 2018 Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru underwent a late malolactic, not finishing until September. It has a refined, menthol-tinged bouquet that feels quite complex and focused, incense aromas developing with time. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, a little graphite developing toward the precise, sustained finish. It needs a little more flesh and grip on the finish, but otherwise this is a finely crafted Clos de Vougeot.