2014 Domaine Henri Gouges Nuits-Saint-Georges Les Vaucrains 1er Cru

Dark red-ruby. Tight, medicinal aromas of black cherry, bitter chocolate and menthol. Very rich and deep, with captivating sweetness cut by medicinal menthol and minerals. Highly concentrated, dense and broad but uncompromisingly dry. Finishes very long and perfumed, with serious saline tension. This very impressive premier cru has a big tannic structure and may well close down after the bottling.

The 2014 Nuits Saint-Georges 1er Cru les Vaucrains, cropped at 26 hectoliters per hectare, was just a little loose-knit on the nose when I tasted it at the domaine, perhaps missing the cohesion of the Pruliers. The palate pulls things together with slightly savory red berry fruit, fine tannin and well judged acidity. There is a chalky note coming through on the finish and a spiciness that comes through on the aftertaste. Again, classic in style, at the moment the palate is leading the way and waiting for the nose to catch up.

The 2014 Nuits Saint-Georges 1er Cru les Vaucrains, cropped at 26 hectoliters per hectare, was just a little loose-knit on the nose when I tasted it at the domaine, perhaps missing the cohesion of the Pruliers. The palate pulls things together with slightly savory red berry fruit, fine tannin and well judged acidity. There is a chalky note coming through on the finish and a spiciness that comes through on the aftertaste. Again, classic in style, at the moment the palate is leading the way and waiting for the nose to catch up. Dec 2015, www.robertparker.com