Joseph Drouhin Beaune Cras Premier Cru 2022
(Burgundy, France) - [JS 92] [BH 91-93] [VM 90-92] [WA 90-92]

About the Wine:

Vineyard:

Producing commune: Beaune.

Site: Beaune Premier Cru « Aux Cras » is located northwest of Beaune, on the top of the hill, facing east/south-east.

History & tradition: the name « Cras » comes from the medieval term « crai », describing a stony and limestone soil.
The Romans had already recognized the potential of the hillside overlooking Beaune and planted vines there. Some of the vineyards were separated by small walls and paths which are still extant today.

Soil: clay and limestone.

Vintage Notes:

The brightness and intensity of the 2022 reds are impressive. The nose, of great complexity, combines aromas of blackberry, blueberry and blackcurrant with floral scents of peony and violet. On the palate, the spices underline silky, high-quality tannins. Ample, full-bodied and fresh, these wines are an archetype of balance between aromas and structure with a very real ageing potential.

Winemaking:

Supply: this wine comes from grapes and musts purchased from supply partners according to rigorous specifications.

Harvest: grapes harvested by hands in open-work crates. If necessary, a careful sorting is proceeded.

Vinification: total destemming. In accordance with the terroir and the profile of the vintage, we do 2 to 3 weeks of fermentation and maceration in small open vats, marked by punching of the cap and pumping-over. The yeasts are indigenous (natural). Pressing in a vertical press. Separation of the ends of the presses based on tasting.

Ageing:  in oak barrels including 20 to 25% of new barrels.
The ageing lasts between 14 to 16 months.
Origin of the wood: oak grown in French high forest.

Throughout the ageing process, decisions are taken only after careful tasting evaluation. The data obtained is completed through technical analysis. As with every other Joseph Drouhin wine, absolute priority is given to the true expression of terroir and character of the vintage.

Tasting Notes:

Beautiful ruby red colour. The nose displays aromas of blackcurrant and blackberry combined with some notes of vanilla. With age and in some vintages, touches of leather will mingle with truffle and spices.

On the palate, the tannins are refined and create a seductive harmony. The aftertaste reveals delicate touches of wood.

Ratings & Reviews

93 Points - James Suckling

"Beautiful floral aromas of violets and rose petals lead to bright, vivid red and black cherries backed by light tannins, a medium body and good acidity. This is good to drink now for its fresh fruitiness, but also has the limestone soil’s aspects of strength and stamina in the background. Drink or hold." (Jun 2024)

91-93 Points - Burghound

"This is at once spicier and riper with liqueur-like aromas of red cherry, kirsch and violet. The medium weight flavors are not quite as concentrated but they do offer as much minerality as well as more depth and persistence on the chalky, youthfully austere and impeccably well-balanced finale that is noticeably firmer. This too is excellent." (Apr 2024)

90-92 - Vinous Media

"The 2022 Beaune Les Cras 1er Cru includes 25% whole clusters, and those really enhance the aromatics, a mixture of red and black fruit and a touch of graphite and loam. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, fine weight, and a dash of black pepper towards the lingering finish. Wonderful smooth texture here. Worth seeking out." – Neal Martin (Jan 2024)

90-92 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

"The 2022 Beaune 1er Cru Les Cras is purchased in grapes from a parcel Drouhin farm. Offering up aromas of plums, cherries, sweet berries and licorice, it's medium to full-bodied, fleshy and lively, with a seamless, enveloping profile that's underpinned by a bright mineral spine." – William Kelley (Jan 2024)