RICHEBOURG

This is the oldest vineyard of the domaine, planted between 1931 and 1936 on yellow and red clay with limestone rocks. Thibault recommends a long aeration on this one, saying you have to coax it out and contemplate on it. Its nose and palate dazzle with Damson plum, black cherries, lit bonfire, struck flint... and on and on. Working for more extraction was not a theme for anyone in 2020, yet seems this Richebourg couldn't be held back. There's a firm core of mid-palate extract and the tannins are tightly coiled. Let this one hibernate a while. Drinking range: 2027 - 2045 Rating: 97 Christy Canterbury MW - TimAtkin.com (Feb 2022)

(from a .55 ha parcel; 35% whole clusters). A wonderfully spicy and quite floral-suffused nose reflects notes of anise, Asian-style tea, violet, lavender, black cherry and cassis. The suave and exceptionally rich broad-shouldered flavors are both generous and seductive before, much like the Les St. Georges, tightening up on the impressively complex and hugely long finish. This is terrific though it too is a wine that will require extended keeping to reach its peak. Drinking range: 2038 - Rating: 93-96 Allen Meadows, www.Burghound.com (Jan 2022)

The vines date back to 1931 and 1934. Jet black purple, with a little wood and not quite the freshest bouquet at this stage, albeit with an enormous intensity of very dark fruit. Probably just a question of the sample, or else in need of the lightest freshening up when sulphur levels are adjusted. Certainly there is no issue on the palate. Powerful and brooding, the fruit extends all the way through, absolutely shows the profile of the appellation, needing time. This will certainly get there. Now freshens up with more minerals. The 2020 Richebourg has very much got the back of the palate power which the young Thibault’s wines did not always have. Tasted: November 2021 Rating: 95-98 Jasper Morris - Inside Burgundy  (Jan 2022)