Domaine Lecheneaut Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits (75cl, 12.5%)

A 750ml Burgundy Pinot Noir from Domaine Lecheneaut in Nuits-Saint-Georges, bottled at 12.5% ABV. The cuvée uses 30% whole-bunch fermentation followed by 12 months of barrel ageing, with about 40% of the barrels oak, predominantly larger demi-muid format from tonnellerie François Frères. Grapes are harvested entirely by hand and the wine is bottled without fining or filtration, preserving the expression of the higher-altitude Hautes-Côtes vineyards. Production is roughly 2,100 bottles per vintage. The nose opens with restrained ripe hedgerow fruits, then darker cherry and anise, with rose, violet, pepper and mint. The palate shows blueberry and blackcurrant with pronounced mineral character, crisp acidity and underlying delicacy. The finish is persistent and clean, with dark cherry, earthy nuances and a thread of spice.