Vosne Romanee Petits Monts, Domaine Georges Noellat 2016

Reduction. The focused, intense and chiseled medium weight flavors seem to be built on an intrinsic minerality while the tightly wound finish is shaped by dense but admirably fine-grained tannins. I very much like the balance and in contrast to the Boudots which should be approachable on the younger side this is going to need at least some time in bottle to unwind.

The 2016 Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru les Petits Monts, matured in 50% new oak (four barrels), has a slightly rustic nose with hints of dried blood infusing the red berry fruit. Maybe this is not quite as harmonious as some of Maxime Chuerlin’s other barrel samples at the moment, but it will meld together with bottle age. The palate is medium-bodied with a little chewiness on the entry. There is fine substance here, quite precise with a focused, harmonious red cherry and cranberry-driven finish. This sample was showing a touch of reduction, but my score reflects how I believe it will show once it is in bottle (of course).