Louis Latour - Beaune Les Vignes Franches Premier Cru 2023 (750ml)
Price: $82.99
| Producer | Louis Latour |
| Country | France |
| Region | Burgundy |
| Subregion | Beaune |
| Varietal | Pinot Noir |
| Vintage | 2023 |
| Sku | 7709 |
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Historically the owners of this area did not have to pay tax on the land, hence the name 'Vignes Franches' ('free vines'). The Beaune Premier Cru "Vignes Franches" parcel, important part of Domaine Louis Latour, is found mid-slope. The clay soils are scattered with small pebbles which allows for easy drainage of water. Here we find the same opulence as in neighbouring Pommard, as well as an extremely pleasant fruit-forwardness even when young. It is one of the best Premier Cru vineyards of Beaune, producing a wine that is capable of ageing to perfection for a considerable period of time.
Louis Latour Description
Beaune 1er Cru 'Vignes Franches' 2023 has a lovely ruby colour and typical Pinot Noir aromas of black cherry, undergrowth and nutmeg. Full and round on the palate, with hints of liquorice. The tannins are silky and the wine has a long finish.
James Suckling: 95 Points
The pretty and pure fruit comes through nicely, showing crunchy strawberries, wild cherries and hints of flower stems. Medium-bodied, tight and focused, with firm, silky tannins and an energized finish, where the quality of the tannins is impressive for the vintage. Hints of matchstick and spice at the end.
Wine Advocate: 93 Points
The 2023 Beaune 1er Cru Les Vignes Franches bursts with aromas of raspberries, black tea, licorice and fig preserve, followed by a medium to full-bodied, ample and fleshy palate that's rich and layered. This early-ripening site on the southern side of the Beaune escarpment produces one of Latour's emblematic reds.
Wine Spectator: 91 Points
Well-marked by sweet, spicy oak, this red also displays blackberry, chocolate and bitter almond flavors. Tips toward the tannins, leaving the finish lightly astringent. A bit jumbled today, yet there’s ripeness and an elegant feel.
Burghound: 90 Points
A perfumed and broad-ranging nose is composed by notes of dark currant, plum and a hint of exotic tea. The super-sleek and solidly voluminous flavors possess a velvety mouthfeel along with excellent punch that seems to build on the bitter pit fruit-inflected finish. This moderately firm effort definitely needs more depth but the length alone makes it worth the price of entry.
