Tasting Note
(90-92) Points, Neal Martin, 2024-2036 Vinous The 2020 Nuits Saint-Georges Aux Argillas 1er Cru exhibits a little more stem addition compared to Léchenaut’s other cuvées, dark berry fruit with cracked black pepper and just a touch of espresso. The palate is medium-bodied with crunchy red berry fruit, slightly savoury in style, just a patina of softness towards the finish, but it shows decent length. Fine, but it needs a little more precision on the finish. Review Date: 01 Dec 21
About the Producer
Longstanding Atlas clients will be familiar with Domaine Lécheneaut, based in Nuits-Saint-Georges. We have been working directly with Lécheneaut since the 2013 vintage, having listened to other winemakers in the Côte de Nuits wax lyrical about the brothers’ attentiveness in the vineyards and impeccably skilful approach to winemaking. What’s more, finding good drinking value in Burgundy is no easy feat – there are myriad ‘affordable’ Burgundies up and down the Côte d’Or, and beyond, but few stand out as being truly noteworthy, which is where Domaine Lécheneaut shines. A family affair, the Domaine, which was first founded by their father Fernand in 1950, has been managed by brothers Vincent and Philippe since 1985. Vincent’s son Jules is increasingly involved in the day to day running now, having completed his oenological studies and worked in wineries in Oregon. He is also behind the acquisition of a number of new sites, including the old vine parcel of Cote de Nuits-Village, Le Clos de Magny. Up and down the scale at Lécheneaut, it is impossible not to be impressed by the quality of fruit, there is a real sense of purity and clear terroir expression. Even their village level Morey-Saint-Denis, Gevrey-Chambertin, Chambolle-Musigny and Nuits-Saint-Georges showcase the nuanced differences between these revered villages. Every time we taste a new vintage, or indeed revisit older vintages in bottle, it is evident how in tune the winemakers are to their vines and their craft. There is a real sense of balance and harmony, energy and fluidity that renders their style so appealing.