2019 Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Beaune Rouge Altitude 421, Boris Champy

This comes from a fresh plot, known as “En Bignon”, which is high on the hillside in the commune of Bouze-lès-Beaune (altitude 421 metres). It has red soils, which are clay-rich – perfectly adapted to Pinot Noir. All grapes are hand-picked, then 90% de-stemmed before fermentation and 12-month ageing in small barrels (of which 15% were new). Sugars naturally gave 12.8 degrees of alcohol, so this is a very refreshing wine: colour is red-purple of medium depth, aromas lively, recalling red fruits, with spiciness. Palate shows luscious fleshiness, with delicate, rounded texture and vivacious finish (for drinking 2021-2024+).