2018
Region
France › Burgundy › Côte d'Or › Vin de France
Type
red · still
Grapes
Pinot Noir
Alcohol
13%
Volume
750 mL
Sugar
1.5 g/L
Available at
Hard, dry tannin from the first sip - the kind that scrapes rather than grips. Thin fruit, no depth, nothing to soften it. Not a fault, just unpleasant from start to finish.
Revisiting this wine, it continues to present a formidable challenge. The nose does have its charms, offering an intriguing blend of dried fruits, wax, and a hint of paint. However, the palate is marred by severe imbalance; the tannins are overpowering and excessively drying. This detracts significantly from the drinking experience, rendering it more of an ordeal than a pleasure. Any positive score awarded to this wine is solely in recognition of its complexity, rather than its enjoyability.
Approaching Yann Durieux for the first time, I held some reservations, anticipating a wild, perhaps unruly experience. The wine's nose was indeed a captivating ensemble; a delicate, floral bouquet graced by pomegranate, sour cherry, and earthy undertones. As it breathed, the floral notes ebbed, making way for a more primal, animalistic profile punctuated by cranberries.
The palate, however, posed a challenge. The tannins, evocative of coarse sandpaper, were uncompromisingly dry, contrasting the wine's inherent juiciness. Underneath this intense tannic structure, there were glimpses of delicacy, but they were overshadowed by the wine's youthful vigour. In conclusion, while the craftsmanship is evident, the wine feels prematurely opened, needing more time to harmonise its fierce tannins with its nuanced character.
