The 2022 Maranges Rouge La Fussières 1er Cru is a blend of several cuvées with different proportions of whole bunches, averaging around 30%. It has more nuance on the nose than the Vieilles Vignes; the stems are neatly incorporated. The palate is medium-bodied with a sapid entry that gets the saliva flowing. With chalky tannins, quite firm structure and a hint of licorice on the finish, this Maranges deserves 3 or 4 years in bottle. Drinking Window 2026-2036.

There is enough fruit to make several tanks of La Fussière with different levels of whole bunch vinification which are then blended. A glowing mid to deep purple. The bouquet has a depth of dark raspberry fruit, with a little strawberry as well. Quite an interesting wave of fruit through the palate, a fresher style of red berry, but nuanced and with good length. Some pepper to conclude. Drink from 2027-2032. Tasted Oct 2023.

Deep-mid cherry. Strawberry and cherry fruit on the nose, with lots of freshness. There is plenty of cool elegance on the palate with a savoury salty finish. Refined, supple and rounded. Good persistence and fine, crisp acidity. (MH)

5 ha (12.4 acres). Five different plots, each vinified with differing amounts of whole clusters. 30% new oak. This the final assemblage. Cask sample.

Cask sample. I purchased the 2019 of this wine, which has great density of plush dark fruit. The 2022 is a little leaner at the moment but I still like the value for money here with purity of dark-cherry fruit and lively acidity. Oak is restrained and in the background. GV (AWH)