Domaine Parent Beaune Epenottes 2017

The 2017 Beaune les Epenottes 1er Cru comes from a parcel of 47- and 85-year-old vines, made with 5% whole clusters and matured in 40% new French oak. It has a very pure nose of raspberry and crushed strawberry fruit, the whole cluster element imparting a subtle forest floor/bay leaf aroma. The medium-bodied palate offers fine tannin, good grip on the back palate, more black than red fruit and a slight tobacco note toward the structured finish. Promising, but it will need three or four years in bottle. 89-91

Touches of wood toast and earth frame the bright essence of red pinot fruit. The succulent, round and easy-going flavors are at once delicious and refreshing before concluding in a slightly toasty and sneaky long finish. This too should drink well on the earlier side if that's your preference. 87-90