For reports and full tasting notes, go toTim Atkin MW's website.

Around 25% of the production was lost because of frost with respect to Cathiard’s 2016 Nuits Saint-Georges 1er Cru Aux Thorey. It has an extremely floral bouquet loaded with crushed violets, so Vosne-Romanée like in style. Very ostentatious! The palate is medium-bodied with black cherries and blueberry fruit, strict tannin underneath that segue into with a sustained, peppery and quite penetrating finish. Maybe the showiest of Sebastien's wines from barrel, but you know that this is going to give so much joy once in bottle.

55% new oak. Vines 60+ years old. Dark-fruited and a slight oak char. Quite expressive with the fruit escaping in the aroma. Dark and deep and structured. Serious rather than charming. Longer-term promise. Chewy but balanced. Very savoury and chewy for now. No prisoners. (JR)