2014 Domaine Michel Lafarge Beaune Les Greves 1er Cru

(from 93-year-old vines): Bright red. Reticent aromas of redcurrant, cherry and leather. Concentrated and densely packed, but with lively minty lift to the savory red fruit flavors. A note of medicinal red cherry contributes to the wine's taut impression. Finishes complex, juicy and long, with considerably sweeter, more refined tannins than those of the Aigrots. The Lafarges pulled up one-quarter of these very old vines after the 2014 harvest and will replant them in 2017.They were really killed by the three years of hail, noted Frédéric Lafarge.

The 2014 Beaune 1er Cru Grèves, reduced by 75% due to the hail, has a very pure, mineral-driven bouquet that has great details and panache -- bright red cherry and strawberry fruit infused with cold stone. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin and there is lovely balance here with more body than the Clos Aigrots, sensual and comely on the finish. Beautiful -- just beautiful.

93-year-old vines – their oldest. A quarter of them were particularly badly affected by the hail so they have been pulled out in 2013. Hail was too violent for them. Magnificent intensity on the nose with real polish and appeal. Bright fruit and lots of redcurrant character. Really juicy in the middle of a fine framework. (JR)