2021 Beaune Rouge, Clos des Mouches, Joseph Drouhin

The 2021 Beaune Clos des Mouches Rouge 1er Cru is one of my picks from Drouhin this year. Wonderful, vivacious red fruit leap from the glass, hints of sous-bois and dried rose petal. The palate is beautifully balanced with fine mineralite, demonstrating more complexity than the preceding Beaune Cras with more grip on the finish. Superb. ~ (94) Neal Martin, Vinous 11-1-2022

Beautiful nose of wild raspberries, cherries, sandalwood, cloves, orange fruit and cardamom. So harmonious on the palate, with very fine, seamless tannins and fresh acidity, all integrated. Medium-bodied, long and full of energy. Drink or hold. ~ (96) James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com 6-28-2023

Cask sample. Lightish crimson. Intense, lifted, vibrant red fruit with a hint of oak adding a more savoury aspect. Beaune’s red-fruit purity showing through. That savoury side is more apparent on the palate. Firm, gently chewy, but smoothed, tannins. Succulent and long. Embryonic but showing its ready harmony and likely longevity. ~ (17) Julia Harding, JancisRobinson.com 1-11-2023

Drouhin noted that this had just been bottled a few days before I tasted it and not surprisingly, it was much more aromatically restrained with its nose of markedly floral and spicy red pinot fruit scents. The texture of the medium-bodied and less mineral-driven flavors is quite similar to that of the Les Cras though the supporting tannins are even finer on the beautifully balanced and sneaky long finale. This is a Clos des Mouches of generosity and finesse. ~ (92) Allen Meadows, Burghound 4-10-2023