Domaine Arlaud : Morey-Saint-Denis 1er cru "Les Ruchots" 2021

The 2021 Morey-Saint-Denis Les Ruchots 1er Cru has some whole cluster influence on the nose, with stems intertwining with dark berry fruit and hints of Lapsang Souchong. It coheres nicely with aeration, though there is an animal touch, perhaps a little Brettanomyces. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, quite linear and focused, pure black cherry and raspberry fruit laced with sous-bois and black tea. It is just the finish that lacks the precision of a really top Morey-Saint-Denis, but perhaps that will manifest with time. Tasted blind at the Burgfest tasting.

A great deal of purity in Les Ruchots, quite vigorous with its chalky firmness, very subtle and finely chiselled, shining through for its natural character and refinement.