The 2018 Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Clos des Forêts St Georges is a lovely wine in the making, wafting from the glass with aromas of cherries, wild berries, spices, licorice and smoked meats. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, fleshy and textural, its muscular chassis of powdery tannin entirely cloaked in fruit, concluding with a long and nicely defined finish.

The Clos is mostly planted with old vines, divided into six unofficial parcels by Géraldine Godot that are fermented separately. This has had some whole bunch fermentation in the past, but not this year. Picked early for balance, it has considerable zip and acidity, floral summer pudding and black cherry fruit, 40% new wood and a tannic undertow.

The 2018 Nuits Saint-Georges Clos des Fôrets Saint Georges 1er Cru, one of the two monopoles of the domaine, is completely de-stemmed and sees around 45% new oak. Funnily enough, it has a very Vosne-like bouquet with floral aspects permeating the blueberry and wild strawberry fruit. The medium-bodied palate offers supple tannins and fine depth. Very smooth in texture, with impressive harmony. It just needs a little more tension and personality toward the blackberry-driven finish; the Clos de l’Arlot is imbued with a little more charm at present. The tannins will need several years to soften, and then this will really show its mettle.

Slightly more evident wood frames a much earthier and less elegant nose of plum, sauvage, violet and various wild dark berry aromas. There is a lovely sense of energy to the relatively supple flavors that also tighten up impressively on the robust, rustic and serious finale that possesses outstanding depth and persistence. Patience required however.

Black cherry and blackberry fruit is prominent in this fleshy red, with a touch of oak spice. It firms up with light tannins on the back end, staying balanced and long. Expressive and fresh.