2019 Beaune Les Greves

The 2019 Beaune Grèves 1er Cru has a concentrated bouquet of dark berry fruit intermixed with cola and brown spices. The oak influence comes across a little overt here, but it should integrate with time. The palate is medium-bodied with very supple tannins, a sensual cashmere texture, plenty of black plum and vanilla toward the finish and a sweet, rather oak-influenced aftertaste that is flattering. Seductive and bold in style, I am not convinced that this represents an intellectual Beaune, and it falls short of my expectations from barrel. Tasted blind at the Burgfest tasting.