2010 Nuits St Georges Les Perrieres

The 2010 Nuits St. Georges Les Perrieres is the first wine in this lineup that shows the intense minerality of the year. Crushed rocks, slate and minerals add considerable depth and energy to a core of expressive dark red fruit. The Perrieres impresses for its length, energy and sheer drive. This is another compelling effort, but it is a wine for the exceedingly patient. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2040. I have to say, this is a stunning set of wines from Denis and Bertrand Chevillon. The Chevillons told me they were surprised by the quality of the wines given the challenges of the growing season. The 2010s saw 5-10 days of cold soak, followed by 15-21 days of cuvaison. The wines were aged on their lees in French oak barrels, 30% new for the top wines and less for the mid- and entry-level wines. The 2010s will be bottled beginning in March 2012 through July 2012. Unfortunately, the 2009s were in an awkward stage on my last visit, so I had to wait a few more months to taste those wines. It was worth the wait. Chevillon’s 2009s are among the wines of the vintage. The 2009s were bottled beginning February (for the entry-level wines) through April for the top selections. I will report on the domaine’s 2009s in the April issue. Importer: Kermit Lynch, Berkeley, CA; tel. (510) 524-1524