Joseph Drouhin : Beaune 1er cru "Clos des Mouches" 2021

Drouhin makes both red and white wine from the Clos des Mouches; the red is particularly good value. The 2021 vintage has good color and ripe black cherry aromas, licorice, and earth. The texture is velvety and rich, with firm tannins and good length. The grapes come from 6.82 hectares of vines at the southern end of Beaune. The grapes are partly destemmed and fermented on native yeast before aging in cask. The supple nature of the wine will make it approachable in a few years, and it should age for another twenty beyond that in a proper cellar.

Beautiful nose of wild raspberries, cherries, sandalwood, cloves, orange fruit and cardamom. So harmonious on the palate, with very fine, seamless tannins and fresh acidity, all integrated. Medium-bodied, long and full of energy. Drink or hold.

Cask sample. Very pale garnet. Sweet palate entry – almost too sweet! Lacks a bit of zip. A sample problem? (JR)