Edouard Delaunay, Clos de la Roche Grand Cru 2017

This 16 hectares Grand Cru appellation is splendidly located north of the village of Morey-Saint-Denis, just a stones throw from the Chambertins. Enjoying eastern exposure on an even slope at an average altitude of 250 metres, the vines benefit from the finest conditions. Delaunay's Clos de la Roche hails from a plot that is approximately 60 years old, where the soil is at its shallowest.

After being handpicked and meticulously sorted, the grapes were completely destemmed. They were then transferred to tanks using gravity, in which fermentation began slowly under the influence of indigenous yeasts. Maceration lasted 21 days with sparing punch-downs so as to respect the raw material as much as possible. This cuve, produced in very limited quantities (296 bottles and 6 magnum), was aged on fine lees in new oak for 20 months.

Gorgeous deep carmine red in colour. A fine, subtle nose redolent of roses and rosehip jam, entirely typical of the appellation, is followed by scents of raspberry jelly, mild spices, notes of thyme, iris and cherry. Then comes a whiff of vanilla, coconut, and light tobacco evolving towards nuances of cigar. Finally, aromas of gingerbread surface. Starts out superb on the palate, elegant, well balanced, fresh and silky. The palate is heightened by a deep, rich finish evocative of cedar. A remarkable combination of depth and subtle freshnessunrivalled within the village of Morey-Saint-Denis.