Tasted blind at the Burgfest tasting in Beaune, the 2013 Nuits Saint-Georges 1er Cru Aux Chaignots was showing a little brettanomyces on the nose, which detracted from its delineation and fruit expression. The palate is chewy on the entry, more extracted than its peers with black cherries, sandalwood and undergrowth notes, but it feels rather sullen and overly serious. Hopefully it will muster more joie-de-vivre with bottle age. Tasted September 2016.

Tasted blind at Flint Wines’ 2007/2012 Nuits Saint-Georges tasting in London. The 2012 Nuits Saint-Georges 1er Cru Aux Chaignots appears to have improved a great deal since I last tasted it. Here, it offers a detailed and composed bouquet with precise red cherry, cranberry and pomegranate fruit, an underlying mineralité that surfaces with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with fine delineation, precise and poised with a harmonious and pure finish that is a pure delight. Classy and thoughtful winemaking afoot here. Tasted November 2016.

Tasted blind at the Burgundy 2011 horizontal tasting in Beaune. The 2011 Nuits Saint Georges 1er Cru Aux Chaignots from Faiveley has a well-defined, quite lively and vigorous nose that is brimming with red cherries, fresh strawberry and pomegranate aromas, the mineralité simmering just below the surface. The palate is medium-bodied with supple, lithe tannins that lend it a fleshy texture. This feels natural and refined, lingering long in the mouth and concluding with a harmonious, svelte finish. This is very sophisticated and beautifully crafted.

Crunchy, zesty red fruit and new oak on the nose. Closed, sleek and linear palate that is supple and bright with plenty of dry tannins. Tightly wound at present.