2021 Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Beaune Rouge, Domaine Françoise et Denis Clair

This is a great value Burgundian Pinot Noir, made from a blend of grapes from two areas – 20% from above Saint-Aubin, the balance from near First Growth Les Maranges, south of Santenay. The vines are really fine Pinots, producing small berries with thick skins – and half the plantings are old vines. Deep, purple-ruby in colour, this has freshly ripe Pinot aromas of real charm and lovely fruitiness. “Drink this before you open the 2020,” advises Jean-Baptiste Clair, with which we fully agree (for drinking 2023-2025+).

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