2023 Nuits St Georges Aux Bas de Combes

Aromas of orange, dark berries, vine smoke and spices introduce the 2023 Nuits-Saint-Georges Au Bas de Combe, a medium to full-bodied, ample and fleshy wine that's lively and saline. This is another strong set of wines from Charles Van Canneyt—but that won't surprise readers familiar with this estate's consistent excellence. Van Canneyt has had the reins here for over a decade now, and his approach has crystalized: the predominantly destemmed fruit, retained intact, is fermented in cement tanks for a classical maceration of two to three weeks. Élevage is in barrels now predominantly sourced from Cavin, with Cadus in a supporting role, and lasts fully 18 months in the domaine's cold cellar, with the exception of the Bourgogne Rouge, which is bottled before harvest. These uncomplicated methods, combined with an enviable palette of appellations planted with notably old vines, produce elegant, charming wines with impressive substance and aging potential. I've been buying them for my own cellar since my student days, so this is an address I warmly recommend.

Aromas of orange, dark berries, vine smoke and spices introduce the 2023 Nuits-Saint-Georges Au Bas de Combe, a medium to full-bodied, ample and fleshy wine that's lively and saline.

A more reserved nose somewhat grudgingly reveals its aromas of spicy red and dark cherry with more evident earth and floral wisps. The sleek and exceptionally punchy middle weight flavors exude a subtle minerality that adds a sense of lift to the moderately austere, balanced and complex finish that is sneaky long. This is an excellent Nuits villages and well-worth checking out. Drink 2031.