(92-95 points) Dense dark colour. Tight closed concentrated massive, a block of tannins at the back. This is a bulky Clos Vougeot that may or may not blossom from ugly duckling into a swan. It seems quite an old-fashioned version of Clos de Vougeot terroir.

(93-95 points) The 2018 Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru is performing very well, wafting from the glass with a deep-pitched bouquet of cassis, wild berries, incense, rich soil tones and woodsmoke. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, layered and broad-shouldered, with a deep and layered core, rich structuring tannins and ripe but succulent acids. Long and sapid, this is another excellent Clos Vougeot from Faiveley, and this cuvée seems to go from strength to strength every year. - WK

(92-94 points) Here the aromatic profile is completely different with its relatively elegant and high-toned nose that consists of red cherry, raspberry, soft earth and humus scents that are trimmed in subtle wood nuances. The sleek, round and seductive medium-bodied flavors possess lovely mid-palate density and richness, all wrapped in a very firmly structured, dusty and balanced finale that flashes the characteristic youthful austerity.

Domaine Faiveley owns three parcels in the Clos de Vougeot, totaling 1.27 hectares, including one in Grand Maupertui next to Anne Gros, another in Baudes Basses next to Drouhin, and more in Quatorze Journaux. The oldest vines date to before WWII. The fruit is mostly destemmed and given a cold maceration before fermentation on native yeasts in oak fermenters. There is a maturation of 16 - 18 months in cask (mostly from François Frères and Taransaud), 60% new in 2018. The result is concentrated and powerful, with a ripe, fragrant aroma of dark plums with pleasant floral notes and a mineral underpinning. There is no shortage of tannin or alcohol on the palate, but the balance is there, making this a powerful wine that needs a bit of aging to show its best.