2013 Henri Gouges Nuits-St-Georges Chaignots

The 2013 Chaignots from Domaine Gouges is outstanding, offering up a pure and vibrant bouquet of black cherries, sweet dark berries, cocoa, a touch of violet, dark soil tones and plenty of smokiness in the upper register. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied and very transparent in personality, with a rock solid core, outstanding balance, ripe tannins and a very long, classy finish that closes with impressive nascent complexity and lovely grip. High class juice. 2021-2060. 92 points

The 2013 Nuits Saint Georges 1er Cru les Chaignots has a clean, pure and understated bouquet, with touches of orange rind developing in the glass. The palate is quite vivacious on the entry with crisp edgy tannins, a keen thread of acidity, and plenty of nervosité toward the finish. This should offer pleasure over 8-10 years, possibly more. 89-91 points

There are plenty of spice elements to the ripe and very fresh nose that is comprised of plum, violet and pungent earth scents. Th e round and seductively textured medium weight flavors retain a lovely sense of vibrancy and detail before culminating in a firm but not really austere finish. If this can add a bit more depth it should merit the upper portion of my predicted range. 89-92 points