2023 Beaune Greves Clos Blanc

The 2023 Beaune 1er Cru Grèves Le Clos Blanc (Domaine Gagey) is richer and more unctuous than the Bressandes this year, offering up aromas of golden orchard fruit, toasted nuts and flowers. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and textural, it will offer a broad drinking window.

The 2023 Beaune 1er Cru Grèves Le Clos Blanc (Domaine Gagey) is richer and more unctuous than the Bressandes this year, offering up aromas of golden orchard fruit, toasted nuts and flowers. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and textural, it will offer a broad drinking window. Winemaker Frédéric Barnier and his team have once again delivered a strong portfolio chez Jadot. Barnier stressed the importance of sorting and of vigilance during élevage, in particular where acid rot made an appearance, and he didn't hesitate to perform a saignée for cuvées where yields where high. As I've written before, in the cellar, foudres and 500-liter barrels now complement classic 228-liter pièces, a further evolution adapting to warmer, riper vintages. What's more, barrels are now used four rather than three times, meaning the percentage of new oak overall has fallen. A cold room also helps chill down any fruit that's too warm when it enters the winery, something especially important during the warm 2023 harvest. This vintage also marks the third vintage of organic conversion for the Domaine Louis Jadot and the Domaine Gagey.

Cask sample. First impression is generous, creamy and lightly oak-spiced. Yet it retains a stone-dust mineral character. Bone-dry, just a little creamy but the dominant factor is the tension and freshness. Intense and long if streamlined (rather than rich) on the palate. Very long finish. (JH)