2020 Côte de Nuits

Nicolas sees these vineyards, around Corgoloin just south of Nuits St Georges, as the future of his domaine. Land prices here aren’t impossibly high, yet the quality of terroir is terrific. It means he can make this enormously characterful and interesting wine for an outstanding price. The 2020 has deep, dark, black cherry and damson character, both richly ripe and with a little sour kick of the vintage’s fresh acidity. Satisfyingly firm.

These vines were planted in 1927, and lie just under Echézeaux and next to Clos de Vougeot and a stone’s throw from Suchots, which all in all is pretty unbelievable positioning for a village parcel. In 2020 it is full-bodied and many-layered, with wonderful blackcurrant drive. The tannins are present but not astringent, giving it a muscular dimension. Very well made.

Amongst some stiff competition, this is regarded as one of the finest premiers crus in Vosne. Its up-hill position gives it lots of light, and exposure to cooling breezes. Nicolas has been buying the fruit from this particular parcel since 1997: it is his oldest contract, and represents a special place in his offering. This has a depth of black fruit flavour, and spicy structure.

This was a high point to finish on with Nicolas. It was smoky, savoury, and spicy with such intense fruit. It is full-bodied with a good level of acidity and voluminous tannins.

Of all the wines in Nicolas Potel’s cellar, this has the greatest sense of pinosity. The fruit is so fresh and red, with a sweet core of wild strawberries. With a little aromatic lift on the nose, and fine tannins, this is just lovely.

There is so much going on in this glass of grand cru. It is bursting with berry fruit, and has a wonderful texture to the tannins that are particularly silky and glossy. Nicolas wants to do a slightly longer élévage on these grands crus, which should let them develop even greater complexity before bottling. Opulent and exuberant.