Alain Gras : Saint-Romain Village "Sous le Château" 2023

The 2023 Saint-Romain Sous le Château has a far more mineral-driven bouquet than the Les Cinq Climats, with superb delineation and a surfeit of energy. The palate is taut and fresh with a killer line of acidity, quite minerally, with a bright, peppery finish that is very Puligny-like. Excellent.

Rich and subtle, the St-Romain Sous le Château from Alain Gras hints at aromas of nectarine, Mirabelle plums and spice, with a silky, plump texture that lingers delicately on the palate. The domaine farms nearly 3ha on these southeast-facing slopes. The grapes are now vinified by Alain's son Arthur, fermenting 60% in tank and 40% in new barrels from local cooper François Frères, before ageing them 11 months. This wine will be better with a couple of years in the bottle.