From: Burgundy, France

Varietal: Pinot Noir

This wine’s “Aux Cras” label reflects its origins in a Premier Cru vineyard plot in Beaune (at the center of Burgundy) called “Cras” for the medieval word crai, meaning stony land. Vines here face east/southeast, sitting at 250-300 meters above sea level on shallow brown limestone soil with small limestone rocks.

Tasting Notes: “One of the hidden gems in this range, the 2017 Beaune Aux Cras 1er Cru has tons of potential. Dark and powerful in the glass, with tremendous aromatic complexity from the 100% whole clusters, the Cras has so much to offer. Even in the early going, it is extremely expressive and wonderfully nuanced.” –Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media, 89-91 points

“Generous wood frames aromas of poached plum, dark pinot fruit, and plenty of spice elements. The tighter and more precise if less concentrated flavors exude evident minerality on the slightly more pliant finish that should allow this to be approached a few years sooner.” –Allen Meadows, Burghound, 89-91 points

“100% whole bunch. 2.5 barrels of ancient vines. Fine mid purple. A wealth of dense very dark raspberry fruit, exciting purple, evidently ripe enough and with good density, spicy white pepper finish with some peonies too. Very intense, thoroughly exciting wine. Excellent finish. Tasted: November 2018.” –Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy, 90-91 points