2023 Chorey-Lès-Beaune 'Les Beaumonts', Maison Jaffelin
Light, ruby red in the glass suggesting a real sense of elegance and freshness, even more so than the preceding 2022 vintage, it's less opaque than Jaffelin's Nuits-St-Georges I recently reviewed, even with a good sized tasting sample in my glass the light can permeate through to the core,
A gentle swish releases delicate perfumed aromas of sweet, red cherry, violets, subtle spice and woody notes.
The palate matches the aromas very nicely indeed; ripe, red cherry initially, quickly progressing to a wider medley of red berry fruit, a hint of strawberry subtle spice and gently warming, woody sweetness on the finish, that holds for a good time, with subtle spice re-emerging. The tannic grip is present across the palate and frames the flavours nicely, but is kept in check by the ripe fruit and steely zip.
The combination of fruit intensity and balanced grip make it so enjoyable as even a solo glass, but it really deserves to be at the dinner table alongside roasted white meats, charcuterie, even through to the cheese board.
I find this 2023 vintage a touch finer and more structured than the unquestionably delicious 2022 vintage it replaces, it is a style that will certainly reward further cellaring if you favour those spicey 'forest floor' nuances that come with time. That being said it's already delivering such drinking pleasure right now that it will be difficult to resist, a quick decant and you're in for a treat!
12% ABV | Drink now - 2030+
James Russell-Grant | Mr.Wheeler | January 2026
A new Burgundy for me. Still young but eminently drinkable now. That said, it has the promise of being a very good wine over the next few years. I will buy it again and lay it down.