Pommard 'Les Cras', Domaine de Montille 2019

Brian is rightly pleased with the domaine’s wines again this year commenting on a good balance of acidity and alcohol but adding a note of caution about climate change: 2019 was one of the driest vintages on record and he suggests Burgundy is in “ in a window right now. Pinot Noir is a delicate variety and we need more water and less sun ”. Overall he preferred slightly fewer whole bunches and less new oak than 2018. Etienne adds that 2019 has a “ classic textural character ” and was “ a consensual vintage – everyone could make the style of wine they wanted, unlike the last three vintages, here there is something for everyone ”. The latter is certainly true here at de Montille with chiselled, polished reds and racy but juicy whites. Once again Beaune 1er Cru (both colours) continues to over perform and offer exceptional value. "Named for the rocky hillside in between two premier cru vineyards where this lieu dit is situated (just under Rugiens Bas), Les Cras has plenty of gravel atop the traditional iron-rich clay red clay of the area which gives good mineral drive as well as generous fruit. Third whole bunch in 2019. Lightly spiced, perfumed lift to the fruit, red plums and red berries, with herbal and herbaceous notes. Palate has a refreshing green edge (ivy) to the acidity, whilst the fruit is ferrous and sappy. Really very attractive and deep, much more than a village Pommard, as you might expect given its location." Tom Harrow, Wine Guru