2023 Pernand Vergelesses Croix de Pierre Blanc

The 2023 Pernand-Vergelesses 1er Cru Clos de la Croix de Pierre Blanc (Domaine des Héritiers Jadot) has turned out nicely, exhibiting aromas of spiced orchard fruit and flowers, followed by a medium to full-bodied, ample and satiny palate that's rich and layered. 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.

Fresh mid lemon. A little bit of oak joins the fruit on the nose, and there is a floral element too. Then the palate offers the limestone pebble effect. A fine, interesting and complete Pernand, the best En Caradeux (the actual vineyard of Croix de Pierre) I have tasted from 2023.