Gevrey Chambertin Aux Etelois, Duroché 2018

For the first time, Pierre Duroché has blended 30% whole bunch into his 2018 Gevrey-Chambertin Aux Etelois, since he believes it will impart more freshness and complexity. But he told me that he wanted to remain prudent and add no more than that percentage to avoid reducing acidity too much. This whole-bunch addition works well on the nose, where flecks of black pepper and clove infuse the dark berry fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins and moderate depth, perhaps just missing a little depth and grip toward the finish. But it does deliver plenty of personality, and I look forward to revisiting it in bottle. (Drink between 2021-2036)

Just 2 barrels made from the finger which sticks up towards Griotte-Chambertin. Brilliant purple again with the usual intensity. The nose equally suggests intensity but the aromatics have tucked themselves away at the moment. A burst of sweet blackcurrant fruit through the middle of the palate: let us wait and see where this goes. More impressed than enthralled, but that may just be because it comes after the exceptional Les Jeunes Rois. Tasted Nov 2019.