Nicole Lamarche Hautes-Cotes de Nuits 2018

Lamarche holds 1.5 hectares in the Hautes-Côtes, tucked up in the hills above Vosne in the hamlet of Concœur. This parcel was planted on limestone-rich soils in 1979 and faces due east. The 2018 was fermented with 30% whole bunches and matured mostly in used barriques.

The Hautes Côtes are increasingly coming into their own in hotter, drier Burgundian vintages. This pale, delicate, refreshing Pinot Noir comes from a 1.53-hectare parcel close to Vosne-Romanée at 380 metres of altitude and has impressive freshness and lift, despite being picked last. Spice and tobacco notes from 30% whole bunches add extra complexity. 91 points, Tim Atkin MW, Decanter

Outstanding. Top Value A slightly more elegant and very pretty array of ripe yet cool red pinot and currant aromas introduce nicely detailed flavors that possess a finer mouthfeel while exhibiting a refreshing touch of salinity on the more complex finale. This is a lovely example of the genre from the Hauts Côtes and worth checking out. 87 points, Allen Meadows, Burghound