2014 Cotes du Jura Julien en Billat

The 2014 Julien en Billat changed its name because it blends grapes from two plots, Julien, named after Ganevat's grandfather, and En Billat. It is pure Pinot Noir from schist and marl (marne) soils, destemmed grape by grape and vinified with a long maceration. The reds from 2014 indicate low alcohol on their labels (11% here, 10% for the Poulsard and the Trousseau...) and this feels a little leafy. But Pinot seems to be the most successful red grape in a difficult vintage. It somehow feels more mainstream, mixing aromas of wild berries and flowers, quite clean and precise. The palate is light with high acidity, fresher and better balanced than what I remember from other vintages.