2021 Thibault Liger-Belair, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru, Les Saint-Georges

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

The 2021 Nuits Saint-Georges Les Saint-Georges 1er Cru has a strawberry pastille-like nose that just misses the dimension and complexity of its peers. More village than 1er cru. The palate is smooth and fleshy with clean red berry fruit and lower acidity than its peers. It seems to drift towards the finish where it needs more grip and substance, but that actually manifests with time in the glass. Tasted blind at the Burgfest tasting.

2 ha (4.94 acres). From the largest plot of the appellation, absolutely central and running from top to bottom. Cask sample. Mid-pale ruby. Nothing unlovely here; classic red and black fruits with a bit of floral panache. Precious, silken texture, real elegance and grace. Very fine wine. (MH)