2022 David Duband Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Nuits Rouge Louis Auguste, Burgundy

Foudres and barrels, 20% new wood. Mid purple, super sensual nose with rose petals on top of pretty red berry fruit. This is elegant stylish and very long on the palate. Delicious. Tasted Dec 2023.

89 points Jasper Morris MW insideburgundy.com

High above the main slope of the Côte de Nuits, the Hautes Côtes vineyards capture a cooler, wind swept expression of Burgundy, and this cuvée named Louis Auguste is a tribute to family heritage within the Duband story. David Duband has built a formidable reputation since the early 1990s, moving steadily toward organic and biodynamic inspired vineyard practices and a gentle, whole cluster influenced style that favours perfume and structure over weight. The Hautes Côtes de Nuits sites sit at higher elevation on limestone rich soils, delivering Pinot Noir with brightness, tension and aromatic lift. This bottling reflects Duband’s commitment to purity and precision, even at regional level.

Bright ruby with youthful violet tinges, the nose is open and expressive. Red cherry, cranberry and wild strawberry rise first, followed by rose petal, white pepper and a subtle earthy undertone. There is a lifted freshness that speaks clearly of the higher altitude terroir.

The palate is medium bodied, energetic and finely structured. Juicy red fruits flow across silky tannins and vibrant acidity, with hints of clove, dried herbs and discreet oak adding depth without masking the fruit. A mineral thread runs through the wine, carrying it to a long, savoury finish that balances brightness with gentle complexity.

Pair with roast chicken, grilled duck breast, charcuterie or mushroom and thyme tart. It is delicious in its youth for its clarity and vibrancy, yet will cellar confidently for eight to twelve years, developing further savoury nuance and silky integration.