Louis Jadot : Gevrey-Chambertin 1er cru "Clos-Saint-Jacques" 2020

Cask sample. Mid crimson. Deep, aromatic cherry fruit with a very slight leafiness suggesting some whole bunch, but apparently it’s rare at Jadot. That stemmy flavour on the palate too, making the tannins seem a little drier and firmer but still super-fine. Delicious, with real finesse and length. (JH)

The 2020 Gevrey-Chambertin Clos Saint-Jacques 1er Cru has a very endearing nose: red cherries, wild strawberries, undergrowth and Italian herbs, completely entrancing. This shows lovely delineation, terroir expression and a touch of eucalyptus that develops with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with fleshy, ripe red fruit. The oak here reminds me of Jadot. There are traces of orange pith, black pepper and sage. It may be a little chewy right on the finish. Afford this three or four years in bottle. Tasted blind at the Burgfest tasting.

As is often the case, the richest, most complex and most satisfying relative to its origin among the house’s classic cuvées, even if it’s missing just a touch of panache on the attack.

High aromatic tones of violet and rose, under ripe cherry, tangerine skin, white peach, white flowers, fresh mushrooms and green peppercorn combine, with an elegant palate of concentrated wild strawberry, plum and black cherries. The palate is fresh, salinic with a long, firm stone-clove finish.