Domaine du Cellier aux Moines : Givry Village "Clos Pascal" Monopole 2022

This perfumed red's effusive aromas of sandalwood, tuberose, cherry, pomegranate, blood orange and sweet spices leap from the glass. Complex and harmonious, this rides a structure of lively acidity and refined tannins to the kaleidoscopic, mouthwatering finish. Best from 2027 through 2040. 100 cases made, 20 cases imported.

This superb wine must be tasted to be believed. It boasts a lush, ripe aroma of blackberry, mulberry, and bramble, accented with notes of earth, spice, and smoke. The texture is notable for a formidable tannic charge, yet there is enough fruit and sweet extract to support the massive structure. The grapes are from a medieval clos that was a meadow when Pascal purchased the property and thus was not included within the AOC limits, hence its village status today. The vines are planted at more than 13,000 vines/ha on stakes (échalas) and farmed organically. Spectacular wine.

This is all dried flowers and spices, making it a unique expression of the Côte Chalonnaise. Made for the ages, but relatively accessible already. Enormously concentrated, but still light on its feet. You really feel that this must have come from a very stony site; those wines can be austere, but this is not. Very limited production. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold.