Beaune Cras, Louis Jadot 2015

Aux Cras is a relatively new addition to the Jadot portfolio which debuted with the 2012 vintage, but it is already on the path to establishing its status as one of the house's very finest Beaune premier crus. A complex bouquet of dark red and black cherry, warm spice, woodsmoke and rich soil is followed by a palate of impressive depth, intensity and energy with a core of rich, supple tannins.

A discreet touch of wood sets off the more elegant aromas of red and dark currant, anise, violet and soft earth nuances. There is a lovely sense of underlying tension to the caressing yet quite serious and intense flavors that display an almost pungent minerality on the notably firm, vibrant and well-balanced finale. Excellent.

The 2015 Beaune 1er Cru Aux Cras, under the Domaine Gagey label, has a soft, mellow and quite seductive bouquet with raspberry, crushed strawberry and hints of blood orange. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly chewy tannin, good weight in the mouth with quite a dense, almost "solid" finish that needs to muster more finesse as it ages. I am sure it will, a wine of substance at present, it should mature into a very capable Beaune Aux Cras. 2018 - 2032