Hudelot-Noëllat Clos de Vougeot 2018

95 points Tim Atkin, MW (Decanter): “Hudelot-Noëllat’s 0.8ha holding is made up of two parcels, both of them in the best bit of the Grand Cru. Aged in 40% new wood, this is a not a blockbuster style by any means, emphasising freshness, balance and harmony instead. Floral, racy and supple, it has well-integrated 40% new wood, some vanilla spice and a poised, elegant finish. Drinking Window: 2026-2034. Alcohol 13.0%. (Oct 2019)”

93-95+ points William Kelley (Wine Advocate): “Aromas of wild berries, spices, peonies, dark chocolate and subtle hints of grilled meats introduce the 2018 Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru, a full-bodied, deep and broad-shouldered wine that’s deep, concentrated and reserved. It had a late malolactic, making this one of the more backward cuvées in the cellar. There are fully 14 barrels this year, equating to a yield of around 45 hectoliters per hectare from the domaine’s 0.69-hectare parcel. (Jan 2020)”

92-94 points and ‘Sweet spot,’ Allen Meadows (Burghound): “(from two separate parcels, one to the left of the Château and another situated to the right by the Méo-Camuzet vines). Noticeable wood is present here as well on the discreetly spicy mix of red and dark currant, earth and a touch of forest floor. There is excellent intensity to the larger-scaled and mouthcoating flavors that flash outstanding power on the focused, long and very serious finish. In much the same fashion as the Malconsorts, the supporting tannins are relatively fine-grained which prevents this from seeming unduly rustic. Drink: 2035+. (Jan 2020)”