Here there is that peculiar type of reduction that the Burgundians refer to as bourgeon de cassis. By contrast there is good verve and a really lovely texture to the nicely voluminous flavors that display noticeable rusticity on the youthfully austere, firm and lingering finish. Like several wines in the range, this will need to add depth but if it does, it could be really quite lovely.

A blend dominated by climat Sous la Velle, the 2020 Monthélie 1er Cru reveals aromas of blackberries, cassis and loamy soil, followed by a medium to full-bodied, velvety and ample palate that's seamless and penetrating. This is a fine success. Laurent Lignier began his harvest on August 27, reporting below-average yields and finished alcohols between 13% and 14%. Once again, the result is a fine vintage for both his domaine holdings and négociant sources—the latter, amounting to some 3.5 hectares of vines, now clearly distinguished in our reviews. As readers will know, winemaking is pretty classical at this address, with a short cold maceration, two to three weeks' maceration with one pigéage and one rémontage per day and maturation in barrels, some one-third of which are new—if possible, without racking—for fully 22 months in the domaine's cold cellars. The 2020s are more primary and tightly wound than Lignier's 2019s, but they're similar in terms of ultimate quality and are well worth seeking out. (WK)

Half a hectare, mostly in Sur Lavelle along with a few rows in Barbières and Vignes Rondes. 10 barrels this year. This cuvée will be just Sur Lavelle from 2021 with the rest going into the village wine. Fine mid purple, barely reduced, a little bit of blackcurrant leaf maybe. A certain sucrosity on the palate but this is a Monthelie which will give a lot of pleasure. 13.7% alcohol