2016 Cotes de Nuits Villages La Rue des Foins

Really quite dark crimson with a light watery rim. More aromatic than the straight Côte de Nuits-Villages and a definite step up, and very slightly leafy/herbal, suggesting there might have been some stems? There’s a rather more savoury quality on the palate, dark fruited – for Pinot – and a dark, almost charry note, though it does not seem particularly oaky. Spicy too. Sober and savoury in a distinctive, dry, dark-suited style. (JH)