2018 Auxey Duresses 1er Cru

Cask sample. Pale blueish crimson. Lively and racy with real lift, though a tad rawer than the Clos des Epeneaux. A very serious Côte de Beaune by any measure. QGV (JR)

The 2018 Auxey-Duresses 1er Cru is a blend of two parcels, Les Bréterins (limestone soils) and, further down in the village, Les Duresses (deep clayey soils). This has a very cohesive bouquet of raspberry preserve, cranberry and pressed rose petal aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-boned tannins, a superb line of acidity and impressive structure on the finish. This is clearly a step up from the 2017 Auxey-Duresses 1er Cru and comes recommended.

Offering up aromas of red berries, raspberries, plums and spices, the 2018 Auxey-Duresses 1er Cru is medium to full-bodied, charming and succulent, built around lively acids and supple tannins. This is a pretty, elegant Auxey that defies stereotypes of the appellation. As usual, it's a blend of Bretterins and Duresses.