2022 Nuits-St-Georges 1er Cru Clos des Forêts St-Georges, Domaine de l'Arlot

The 2022 Nuits Saint-Georges Clos des Forêts Saint Georges 1er Cru was also raised in 40% new oak. [Incidentally, 0.6ha will be planted with Chardonnay in 2024]. Slightly deeper in color compared to the Clos de l'Arlot, this has slightly more cohesion and complexity on the nose: dark cherries and crushed stone, a hint of wilted rose petals in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with beautifully integrated new oak, lending this a velvety veneer. It is a little plush yet with equivalent tension and a detailed, slightly piquant finish. This is an outstanding Nuits Saint-Georges from the Domaine.

A fuller purple than either Arlot cuvée, which is as normal. The bouquet holds the promise of clean fruit at optimum ripeness, but does not deliver detail at this point. Plenty of energy here, some slightly firmer tannins, correct acidity, and then the more perfumed red berry fruit, slightly more raspberry here, returns at the back. Drink from 2030-2037. Tasted: October 2023.