Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er cru "Aux Cras" Vieilles Vignes

2016
Clavelier, Bruno
France
Burgundy

This small plot of 25 acres is more than 75 years old, with eastern exposure, in the upper part (250 m of altitude) of the band of 1er cru in border of Vosne-Romanée. The soil is small, highly filtered gravels (lime græzes) which quickly heat up in the slightest ray of sunshine. The resulting wine has the typical structure of the Nuits-Saint-Georges but the tannins retain the elegance of Vosne-Romanée. 

 
91-93 points
"Mild reduction masks the underlying fruit but not the pretty floral elements. I very much like the mouthfeel of the energetic and intensely mineral-driven medium weight flavors that possess fine volume while flashing excellent persistence on the complex if youthfully austere and moderately structured finish. This should benefit from extended keeping and will need at least 5 to 7 years first. In a word, lovely."
Allen Meadows,
Burghound
, January 2018
90-92 points
"(Clavelier noted that these old millerandé vines produced a normal yield of about 28 hectoliters per hectare in 2016; from an east-facing vineyard with a good bit of sand in the soil): Deep, bright red. Distinctly dark aromas of blackberry, cassis and blueberry. This intense fruit bomb is a real high-wire act of concentrated sweet, ripe berry fruit and Vosne-side elegance. Silky, structured wine with serious force and a firm tannic spine to support a graceful evolution in bottle. The tiny millerandé berries here give the wine both sucrosité and acidity, according to Clavelier. This wine struck me as very different in style from the preceding samples."
Stephen Tanzer,
Vinous
, January 2018
89-91 points
"The 2016 Nuits St Georges 1er Cru Aux Cras was quite ripe and showy on the nose, more Vosne-Romanée in style than Nuits-Saint-Georges, comparatively opulent with red plum, blueberry and cranberry fruit. The palate is sweet and candied on the entry, rounded in the mouth with desiccated orange peel and a touch of Moroccan spice and cinnamon on the finish. Fine, though not my favorite from Clavelier this vintage."
Neal Martin,
Wine Advocate
, December 2017
93 points
"This is alluring, from the blueberry and raspberry aromas to the floral and mineral flavors. Intense and racy, with a linear profile defined by vibrant acidity and resonant tannins. Offers a long, chalky finish. Best from 2022 through 2038. "
Bruce Sanderson,
Wine Spectator
, November 2019

SKU/Code: 
DB3441-16
Product Line: 
Red
Varietal: 
Pinot Noir
Farming Type: 
Biodynamic