Hudelot Noellat - Vougeot 1er Cru Les Petits Vougeot 2018

ANTONIO GALLONI: "The 2018 Vougeot Les Petits Vougeot 1er Cru, matured in 30% new oak, has a sensual nose of red cherries, crushed strawberry and pressed violets. The palate is medium-bodied, quite succulent and vivacious, delivering tart red fruit, orange zest, tangerine and a slight bitterness on the finish that adds welcome tension. Not a long Vougeot, but certainly well balanced and thoroughly enjoyable."

BURGHOUND: " This too is noticeably ripe though the fruit profile derives more from the red side of the spectrum, and in particular cherry and pomegranate, though there are wisps of black raspberry and spice in evidence. The sleek, elegant and refined medium weight flavors flash good minerality before concluding in a balanced, complex and sneaky long finale. This is lovely and the supporting tannins are quite fine-grained."

DECANTER: "A beautifully perfumed Petits Vougeots with lifted red flowers, raspberries and sweet spices. A wine of great finesse, refined tannins and a supple, lingering length – the palate texture is closer to a Vosne-Romanée than a Vougeot. A small proportion of whole clusters were added during fermentation; aged in barriques (two-thirds new) for over a year. Drinking Window 2023 - 2031"

THE WINEADVOCATE: "The 2018 Vougeot 1er Cru Les Petits Vougeot has turned out very well, opening in the glass with a lovely bouquet of cassis and plums, complemented by top notes of woodsmoke and violets. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, supple and fleshy, with a bright spine of acidity and a fragrant, precise finish. A Chambolle-Musigny in all but name, this is an elegant and exquisitely balanced cuvée."