David Duband Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Nuits Louis Auguste 2021

David Duband is among the more admired growers of the Cote de Nuits, and this red comes from the Hautes Cotes de Nuits, the cooler, higher country behind the famous slope. It is made from Pinot Noir and farmed organically. The Hautes Cotes sit at greater altitude than the Cote d'Or grands crus, and that elevation brings cooler temperatures and a later harvest, giving a fresher, more red fruited style of Pinot Noir with bright acidity. The limestone and marl soils reinforce the wine's minerality and fine structure. After fermentation it ages 14 months in French oak barrels, where slow oxygen exchange softens the tannin and adds subtle spice while keeping the fruit clear. Malolactic fermentation rounds the acidity ahead of barrel. The colour is a bright, light ruby. The nose shows red cherry, raspberry and redcurrant over an earthy, faintly floral note, and the palate is light to medium bodied and refined, with silky tannin, fresh acidity and a savoury, mineral finish. Serve at 15 degrees, ideally decanted briefly, with poultry, game birds and mushroom dishes.