2021 Domaine des Croix Beaune 1er Cru Les Cents Vignes, Burgundy

The 2021 Beaune Les Cents Vignes 1er Cru, which includes some rows without hedging and others trimmed, has an understated bouquet with slightly tertiary red fruit. The palate is where the action is, consisting of very fine-boned tannins and perfectly judged acidity. A pixelated finish beckons you back for more. Superb.

91-93 points vinous.com

Les Cent-Vignes is one of the first vineyards you encounter if you’re heading west out of Beaune. It is a site that’s unofficially divided into two sections: the upper slope with its brown gravel, clay soil (grèze litée); and the lower part with well-drained alluvial soils. Domaine des Croix farms four parcels of old vines on both terroirs, just over one hectare in total, planted in 1955, 1956, 1957 and 1968. Croix notes that in certain vintages Les Cent-Vignes can be the first place to ripen Pinot in Burgundy. Even so, it delivers notable freshness and drive to match its open-knit, textural personality. Crafted with 10% whole bunches this year, this is such a pretty, fine and enchanting red Burgundy, loaded with red florals and wild strawberry aromas and flavours, a fleshy, juicy palate and a vibrant, powdery close. 1er Cru red Burgundies of this quality at this price are extremely rare these days, so do not hesitate!