Albert Bichot : Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er cru Monopole Château Gris 2023

Cask sample. Certified organic (Ecocert). A 3.4-ha walled monopole vineyard – a steep slope, vines are on terraces. Hand-picked 9 September. Fermentation in thermo-regulated wooden vats, 25% whole bunch. Aged in oak barrels, 35% new, for 16–17 months. Will be bottled January/February 2025. Spicy. Certainly expressive, even a little flamboyant. Dramatic layers of savoury spice, bodacious fruit, plush tannins. Quite some power but also prettiness in pink and cherry notes. Lovely curve and texture to the finish. (TC)