Domaine Jacob Les Avaux 2005 Tasting Notes

Beaune Premier Cru Les Avaux 2002

Our exclusive Beaune 1er Cru Les Avaux comes this year from the outstanding 2002 vintage.  A long, hard winter eventually gave way to a warm spring and a cool, dry summer.  A small amount of rain fell at the beginning of September before clear skies returned for the harvest.  The resulting crop had high levels of natural alcohol (12-13%) and very good concentrations of natural sugar: perfect for what is now regarded as a classic burgundy vintage.  Quality was very good but overall yields were down and consequently this vintage is in short supply.  Thankfully though, the late spring frosts that affected many vineyards in Burgundy did little damage in Les Avaux and our tiny - but normal - crop (enough to make our 1100 bottles) was harvested in ideal conditions.

The wine has very good colour and that expressive strawberry-scented bouquet that is always so evocative.  It has ripe fruit and good grip on the palate with a soft, velvety finish. Yes, you can enjoy it now, but this is definitely one to keep.  If you are lucky enough to have any of the 1997 or 2000 vintages left, both are drinking really well at the moment.  The 1999 will still repay your keeping, while the 1998 and 2001 and are just beginning to open up nicely.