Beaune 1er Cru Les Tuvilains 2017, Domaine Bertrand Ambroise

Ambroise farms properly and prices honestly. Ask me when the next allocation lands. This is the third most highly rated Beaune Les Tuvilains wine (based on many critic scores). and the 2017 Vintage being excellent. "Lovely aniseed scent to the nose. Excellent lift and refreshment on the palate – really bright-eyed. Cranberry and redcurrant fruit – delicious, crunchy and modern". (RH) JancisRobinson.com 17 Tasted 8 Jan 2019. Drink 2020 - 2030. This is a true family enterprise. Bertrand and Martine Ambroise head up a 21 hectare domaine ably assisted by their son François and daughter Ludivine. The estate style is one of rich, opulent whites and full-bodied, powerful reds. After a small, frost-affected crop in 2016, yields happily returned to normal levels in 2017. An increasing proportion of both whites and reds are now fermented and/or aged in larger 400 litre casks, reducing the amount of oak flavour in the wines and allowing the fruit to shine through. Around half a dozen producers make red wines from the 8.94 hectares (22.09 acres) of Pinot Noir grapes grown here. As the plural name suggest Les Tuvilains is divided into two blocks either side of a small country road. They are located on the lower slopes of the Côte d'Or escarpment, west-southwest of the town of Beaune itself. The plots in this area, near the old road to Pommard, are on damper soils with more clay. As such they are more at risk from Spring frosts.