2022 Chorey-Lès-Beaune 'Les Beaumonts', Maison Jaffelin
Light, ruby red in the glass suggesting a real sense of elegance and freshness, far less opaque than Jaffelin's Nuits-St-Georges that I recently reviewed, a decent tasting sample and I can still see through to the base of the glass with ease.
A gentle swirl releases perfumed aromas of sweet, red cherry, violets, subtle spice and delicate woody notes.
The palate matches the aromas very nicely indeed; ripe, red cherry initially, quickly progressing to a wider medley of red berry fruit, a hint of strawberry subtle spice and gently warming, woody sweetness on the finish, that holds for a good time, with subtle spice re-emerging. The tannic grip is present across the palate and frames the flavours nicely, but is kept in check by the ripe fruit and fresh zip.
Re-tasting this today as a solo glass made me appreciate just how delicious a glass of red this is all by itself. The combination of fruit intensity and balanced grip make it so enjoyable right now. And whilst the presence of food is not an essential, when I served it alongside roast beef with all the trimmings at the weekend, it really was superb.
Further spice and 'forest floor' nuances will likely develop with a little additional bottle aging, but to me this wine is already delivering the goods. A quick decant and you're in for a treat, no requirement for extended cellaring, this is ready to impress!
Drink now - 2028 | 12.5% ABV
James Russell-Grant | Mr.Wheeler