Cote de Nuits Villages, Domaine Didier Fornerol 2022

Fornerol's Côte de Nuits Villages is a serious proposition and one that defies its price point. Bright ruby in colour, the nose bursts with ripe red fruit and a hint of black cherry, a touch of pepper and spice box in the background. The palate has more of the same red berry fruit, coated in ripe and fine tannins. The chalky texture gives the fruit a moreish, lightly savoury edge. Crunchy yet pure in fruit, there is a saline spice that runs throughout, adding to the complexity of this wine. You can just about drink this now with its lipsmacking and refreshing fruit, but the long finish and structural poise shows that this wine will likely improve in bottle over the coming decade, and drink well for a further five years. Superb value for money, in one of Didier's last vintages before retirement.