An unspectacular Beaune masterpiece. Deep nose of red fruit with rooty and coconut complexity. Excellent concentration and a wonderfully fine structure on the very finely contoured, medium-bodied palate. Fantastic balance in the long finish, which is at once ripe and cool. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Unfiltered. Drink or hold. - Stuart Pigott

(92-94 points) A bright vigorous purple colour. There is more density to this wine throughout, starting with the fruit concentration on the nose. Dark cherries and lively raspberry fruit. Sturdy stuff at the finish as the limestone kicks in, compared to the more tender Coucherias. There is muscle but also refinement. This will take longer to come round but will repay keeping. Fine stuff!

(VN 92-94 points) The 2022 Beaune Les Vignes Franches 1er Cru is matured with one Troncais barrel with 70% whole bunches. It has another flattering bouquet, pure brambly redcurrant and wild strawberry fruit, a little baking powder coming through with time. The palate is medium-bodied with darker fruit than the Aux Coucherias. A little sweeter in style, with black cherries and cracked black pepper on the finish. Superb. -- Neal Martin