Morey Saint Denis Les Loups, Domaine des Lambrays 2023

A blend of small clay based 1er Cru vineyards which also see the sun. they no longer include the young vines of Lambrays (from 2022). An even, deep ruby purple. This is not ultra concentrated but it is fine, and the 40% whole bunches give that additional fresh white pepper tingle that works so well here, especially alongside the darker fruit. Fully ripe yet finely balanced. Picked before the rain hence the riper flavour profile.

There is an edge of chocolate to the ripe black plum aromas of this powerful wine. The texture is rich and dense; in 2023 the alcohol is generous at 14% (the maximum for the domaine). The vines are scattered throughout the appellation down-slope from the village (in Clos Sorbè, Blanchards, La Riotte and Le Village); half the grapes are fermented as whole clusters, and the wine is ageing in cask (40% new). (Drink between 2028-2060)