2013 Beaune Coucherias

The 2013 Beaune 1er Cru Coucherias has a pretty, more feminine bouquet than the Clos du Dessus des Marconnets, with perfumed raspberry and wild berry scents suffused with cold stone notes. The palate is medium-bodied with fleshy ripe red cherry and cranberry fruit. This has more depth and body than the Clos du Dessus des Marconnets with a lively, sappy finish. Enjoy this over the next two or three years.

Mid crimson. Fresh red fruit, noticeably different from the Gevrey and the Bourgogne Vieilles Vignes. Darker and more savoury on the palate, perhaps not stereotypical Beaune but refined and tasty. Peppery and dry in texture. Long and embryonic. (JH)

(from a south-facing vineyard located above Teurons): Bright, deep red. Black cherry and menthol on the nose, accented by spices and pepper. Densely packed and sweet but with its silky texture nicely leavened by harmonious acidity and stony minerality. Really spreads out to coat the plate with black cherry, smoke, leather and earth. Finishes with good mineral reserve and lingering salinity. The pHs here in 2013 are in the low 3.2 to 3.3 range, according to Labet. A very good showing; according to Labet, these vines avoided the worst of the hail in 2013.