Cote de Nuits Villages La Montagne, Thiriet 2023

The 2023 Côte de Nuits-Villages La Montagne comes from dusty clay soils mixed with limestone in a small amphitheatre, and was blended with 50% whole bunch. It has a strong marine influence with Japanese nori and more black fruit here than the other cuvées. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins and touches of graphite and black pepper towards the finish. This definitely needs 12 to 18 months in bottle. Serious.

Not to be confused with Aux Montagnes! This is their own plot, at mid slope made from 60 year old vines, grown on fine clay on limestone, half whole bunch. Another imperial purple. The nose has a vigorous dark raspberry fruit concentration, and there is plenty of structure behind, along with so much fruit through the middle of the palate. A slight singed fur note to finish? Drink from 2028-2035.