Domaine Lecheneaut, Nuits-St Georges, Au Chouillet, Vieilles Vignes 2020 6x75cl

(91-93) Points, Neal Martin, 2024-2040 Vinous The 2020 Nuits Saint-Georges Au Chouillet Vieilles Vignes has a perfumed bouquet with potpourri infusing the vivid black cherry and wild strawberry fruit. Good intensity here. The palate is medium-bodied with a gentle grip on the entry, quite floral in style, intriguingly not a million miles away from a cool-climate Syrah in style. But it works - plenty of depth and concentration on the finish with ample freshness. Very fine. Review Date: 01 Dec 21

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.