(racked into tank three weeks before my visit; 80% vendange entier ): Healthy dark red. Aromas and flavors of black cherry and violet complicated by chocolate and leather nuances: very Nuits-Saint-Georges. Boasts a fat texture but also a slight dryness. Falls down a bit on the finish, where the tannins are a bit dusty.

The 2015 Nuits-Saint-Georges Villages from Charles Lachaux, which was vinified with 80% whole bunches, offers up pretty notes of raspberry, orange and rose petal. On the palate, the wine is ample, medium-bodied and fine-grained, with juicy acids, good depth and ripe tannins. This is a pure, elegant Nuits-Saint-Georges.

Cask sample. Mid crimson. Sultry and savoury at first. Pure, dusty dark-red fruit, suggesting elegance to come. Juicy, fresh and full of zesty life. Moreish and gently chewy on the fresh finish. (JH)