Gevrey-Chambertain Premier Cru 'Aux Combottes', Edouard Delaunay, 2024

"Brown spice, sweet cherries, raspberry pâte de fruit and damp potting soil give this a full-on Gevrey vibe. Velvety tannins and singing acidic freshness combine to deliver texture and length. This is 50% new barrel and 50% a barrel of three wines, and the wine’s fruit density has nicely absorbed the oak toast."

"Mid ruby. The new oak is certainly well integrated into the cherry, raspberry and damson nose. This is well balanced between the sweetly mature fruit and the fresh acidity. Best of the bunch so far among these Delaunay 2024 reds (before the grands crus), with some evident potential for ageing. Lots of spice, too. Integrated, powdery tannins. Rather classic Gevrey-Chambertin."

"Two barrels made, one new. The wine has ended up unexpectedly at 13.5%, millerand berries giving more sugar than anticipated. A full crimson ruby. There is weight to the nose with the class of the vineyard fighting through, giving both some depth and a racy note at the finish. Still tight but with plenty of time to age further in barrel. Laurent is thinking of a racking, especially out of the new wood, all part of his role as negociant-eleveur. I can see that the thickness of texture needs lightening."