2013 Beaune Les Tuvilains

Bright ruby-red. Wild, musky aromas of raspberry, licorice and leather. Sweet and solidly built but not at all hard; Marchand does a softer extraction here as he feels the fruit already has enough tannins. A sexy smoky character is joined by saline and leathery nuances on the persistent if slightly edgy back end. (Incidentally, production from the Marchand-Tawse Beaune Teurons parcel was wiped out by hail in 2013.)

The 2013 Beaune 1er Cru Tuvilains has a lifted red cherry and raspberry-scented nose that has more Pinot character than many of the village crus. The palate is medium-bodied with supple red berry fruit, nicely integrated 40% new oak with a sappy finish. This is a well-crafted Beaune and comes recommended.