Joseph Drouhin : Beaune 1er cru "Clos des Mouches" 2011

Tasted blind at the Burgundy 2011 horizontal tasting in Beaune. I am unsure about this bottle of Drouhin’s Beaune Clos des Mouche '11, which tasted better in the past. It exhibits some brett on the nose that slightly muffles the red berry fruit, rendering it a little rustic in style. The palate is medium-bodied with solid, ripe tannins. There is plenty of chewy red fruit here, although it feels quite stern on the structured finish that tapers off a little rapidly. I suspect another bottle would perform with more aplomb.

Deep and almost brooding on the nose, this is a youthful expression of the 2011 vintage. With ample notes of black cherry, damson plum, tar, spice and toast, its nose is reminiscent of a Gevrey-Chambertin while its dense palate and grippy but polished tannins reflect a Pommard style. While drinking well now, it could still benefit from future cellaring.

This is a pure and subtle red wine with strawberry, floral and mineral character. Full body, light tannins and a bright finish. Drink or hold.

Bright crimson. Broad pretty fruit, very alluring and easy to love. Masses of fruit – such a spread! Already lovely. Very fine tannins on the end. Just a little kick of dryness on the finish but lovely mouth-filling stuff. (JR)

Finely fruity, with a subtle yet deep length; the tannins are very fine and the wine doesn’t seek power, with a floral register that asserts itself over time in the glass.