2012 Hudelot-Noellat Nuits-St-Georges Murgers

Habitually the first parcel to be picked by the domaine, the 2012 Nuits Saint Georges 1er Cru Murgers comes from a 0.68-hectare parcel of vines planted in 1985. It is open, generous and mineral-driven on the nose that already displays vigor and class. The palate is medium-bodied with a spicy, ebullient opening. The fruit profile is a little darker than the Vosne-Romanée, showing firm, grippy tannins towards the slightly austere finish. This is mysteriously compelling, much more so than I anticipated and it deserves several years in bottle after release. 90-92 points